Tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly escalated, with senior party figures issuing a warning to President Bola Tinubu over the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State.
The warning comes amid renewed political hostilities between Wike and his successor, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. According to party leaders, Wike’s political activities are threatening party unity and could eventually force a confrontation with the Presidency.
A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously to The Guardian, said the party might soon ask President Tinubu to choose between the APC and the FCT minister if the situation persists.
“We may ask the President to choose between us and his FCT minister if Wike continues to behave as if only he can serve the political interests of the President in Rivers State or any other state for that matter. He is not a member of this party,” the source said.
The latest warning follows Wike’s recent declaration that Governor Fubara would not secure a second term in 2027, a statement that has reportedly angered APC members, particularly in Rivers State.
Party strategists argue that the APC cannot afford to allow a minister who is not formally registered as a party member to undermine the President’s political interests in the oil-rich state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South-West), Eddy Olafeso, described Wike’s current political predicament as the result of being politically outmanoeuvred by Governor Fubara.
In an interview with The Guardian, Olafeso said Wike was facing the consequences of his former protégé’s swift political realignment, describing the FCT minister as “one of the most unfortunate politicians” of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
According to him, Governor Fubara moved faster by aligning with the APC, leaving Wike politically isolated.
Olafeso further claimed that APC leaders in Rivers State had made it clear that Fubara would be recognised as the party’s leader in the state, a development he said pushed Wike towards considering defection to the APC.
“Some of them are even calling for his removal as minister,” Olafeso added.
The political standoff continues to fuel uncertainty within the APC as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections.