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Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the 2027 governorship election, despite escalating tensions between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, confirmed the party’s support for Fubara’s re-election bid, describing him as a performing governor with the backing of the party’s leadership.
“Nobody can frustrate any APC governor. Fubara, like other APC governors, is running the affairs of his state well,” Basiru said in an interview with Sunday PUNCH.
Fubara’s Defection and Political Realignment
Governor Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC on December 9, a move widely viewed as a strategic step toward securing a second term.
His defection was followed by that of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, further strengthening the APC’s foothold in the state.
The National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, subsequently declared Fubara the leader of the party in Rivers State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, Yilwatda said:
“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.”
Renewed Rift With Wike
Fubara’s move to the APC has further strained his relationship with Wike, who insisted that the governor’s second-term ambition was not guaranteed—even on the APC platform.
Wike accused Fubara of violating a peace agreement and warned against what he termed “opportunistic politics.”
During a media chat, the FCT minister dismissed claims that Fubara was the APC leader in Rivers, asserting that he (Wike) still controlled the state’s political structures, including local governments and wards.
Apparently responding, Fubara, speaking at a public event aired by Arise TV, said he had been subjected to blackmail.
“The only reason the dog barks is when it doesn’t understand. We know where we are going and have set all the things needed to make the journey smooth,” the governor said.
‘Wike Can’t Decide for APC’ – Party Official
A senior APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed Wike’s claims of political dominance, stressing that the FCT minister could not determine Fubara’s political fate.
“The decision on Rivers State will ultimately be that of the President, not Wike. He is not as popular as he claims. He even lost his polling unit in the last election,” the official said.
The source added that the APC traditionally rallies behind its sitting governors.
“Fubara is an APC governor, and the Governors’ Forum is a major pillar of support. By our party rules, we respect and support our governors.”
Automatic Ticket? APC Explains Position
On whether Fubara would receive an automatic ticket for 2027, the official clarified that the APC does not impose candidates, but incumbents naturally enjoy an advantage.
“The dynamics are always in favour of a sitting governor. It’s basic political reality—unless critical national stakeholders decide otherwise.”
The official added that Rivers State was fast becoming a stronghold of the APC, citing similar scenarios in other states where incumbent governors emerged as consensus candidates.
APC Reaffirms Support for Fubara
Basiru reiterated that the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains committed to supporting all its governors.
“He is governing, executing projects and commissioning them. As a member of our party, we must identify with him and support him,” he said.
He also cautioned party leaders against making derogatory remarks about elected governors, condemning comments allegedly made by the APC’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom.
“Referring to an elected governor as a ‘so-called governor’ is unacceptable. The office of the governor must be respected, regardless of political differences,” Basiru said.
Presidency, APC Leadership Fully Behind Fubara
Similarly, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Duru Eze, said Fubara and other governors who joined the party enjoy the full backing of President Bola Tinubu, the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“They have subscribed to the APC constitution and manifesto and have the endorsement of the President. They will receive all necessary support,” he said.
The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, also emphasized that governors joining the party would benefit from its support structures.
“They are supporting President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. As progressives, they will enjoy support at all levels,” he said.
Final Decision Lies With Tinubu – Rivers APC
Meanwhile, the Rivers State APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, said the final decision on Fubara’s re-election bid rests with President Tinubu and the party’s national leadership.
