Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have publicly expressed support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, despite strong opposition from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Top officials of the ruling party say Fubara enjoys the backing of the APC leadership following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the governor has the full support of the APC and is performing well in office, stressing that no individual can undermine an APC governor.
Fubara formally joined the APC in December, a move that reshaped Rivers State’s political landscape. His defection was followed by the movement of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the ruling party, further strengthening the APC’s position in the state.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has since recognised Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State, while urging him to work with other party stakeholders to maintain unity.
However, the development has intensified tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The FCT minister has repeatedly argued that joining the APC does not guarantee the governor a second term, accusing him of breaching earlier political agreements.
Wike has also insisted that he still controls major political structures across the state.
Responding to the criticism, Fubara dismissed attempts to discredit him, saying he remains focused on governance and his political direction.
At the national level, APC officials have played down Wike’s claims, insisting that the final decision on Rivers State politics lies with President Bola Tinubu and the party’s leadership. A senior party source said the APC does not impose candidates but noted that incumbent governors usually enjoy an advantage during primaries.
Rivers APC spokesperson, Chibike Ikenga, said Fubara’s entry into the party was approved at the highest level, adding that only the President and the party’s national organs could decide his re-election fate.
He also argued that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, cannot determine the party’s governorship ticket.
Party leaders, including Deputy National Organising Secretary Duru Eze and APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim, have also reaffirmed that Fubara will enjoy the same rights and support as other APC governors.
Meanwhile, Rivers elders and political leaders have cautioned against attempts to impose candidates on the state, insisting that the people will ultimately decide who governs them.
Despite the growing backing for Fubara within the APC, Wike has vowed to stop the governor’s re-election. Addressing supporters in Okrika, the minister described Fubara’s emergence as a mistake and warned that it would not be repeated.
