Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has received strong backing from key governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development that has further escalated political tensions with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The endorsement, confirmed through statements by the APC national leadership, signals the party’s readiness to support Fubara for a second term, despite Wike’s open opposition and continued influence in Rivers politics. APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed Wike’s criticisms, insisting that the party would not tolerate interference from individuals who are not formally part of its structures.
Basiru stressed that as a sitting governor aligned with the APC, Fubara is entitled to full backing and recognition within the party, adding that political authority in Rivers State should ultimately rest with the electorate, not former power brokers. He noted that the APC remains committed to internal democracy and respect for voters’ choices as preparations for 2027 intensify.
The position of the national secretariat was reinforced by the APC leadership’s recognition of Fubara as the party’s leading figure in Rivers State, in line with its tradition of placing sitting governors at the helm of state party affairs. Party sources say this move is aimed at stabilising the APC in the state and consolidating support ahead of future elections.
Wike, a former Rivers governor and a dominant figure in the state’s political landscape for years, has repeatedly warned that Fubara’s second term ambition threatens his political survival. He has also maintained that he retains grassroots loyalty across local government areas, setting the stage for a prolonged power struggle.
Amid the rising tension, Rivers elders, community leaders and party stakeholders have called for restraint, urging all sides to prioritise peace and political stability in the oil-rich state. They warned that sustained elite conflict could distract from governance and development, while undermining public confidence in the political process.
With 2027 still two years away, analysts say the open backing of Fubara by APC governors marks a significant realignment in Rivers politics, positioning the state as a major battleground and testing the limits of Wike’s long-held dominance.
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