Rivers crisis: APC reaches out to Wike, Fubara, seeks political solution

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has broken its silence on the political instability in Rivers State, confirming that high-level “back-channel” negotiations are underway. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, revealed during a Thursday interview on TVC News that the party is prioritizing a quiet, strategic resolution to the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.  

Basiru explained that the party’s perceived silence during Fubara’s recent legal challenges and impeachment threats was intentional, noting that “real politics” is rarely conducted through public press statements. Describing politicians as “nocturnal animals,” he remarked that concrete decisions are often forged in private discussions away from the camera’s lens to ensure more stable outcomes.  

Despite the public friction, the APC leadership is actively engaging Nyesom Wike, acknowledging his critical role as a key stakeholder and supporter of President Bola Tinubu. “As someone who is interested in the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State is critical for that success,” Basiru stated, confirming that Wike is being consulted to reach a harmonious settlement.  

This diplomatic approach marks a notable shift from months ago when Basiru and Wike were locked in a public war of words over the state’s political structure. The party now appears focused on a “no victor, no vanquished” outcome, aiming to cool the heated rhetoric that has defined the relationship between the Governor and his predecessor.  

The reconciliation effort comes as Governor Fubara, who defected to the APC in December 2025, continues to face pressure from a House of Assembly largely loyal to Wike. By involving the FCT Minister in the peace process, the APC hopes to stabilize its newest stronghold and prevent internal friction from undermining the administration’s regional goals.  

Senator Basiru also linked the Rivers situation to the APC’s broader expansionist drive, which has seen the party’s tally of governors rise to 29 following recent high-profile defections from Kano and Plateau states. He attributed this growth to President Tinubu’s leadership and a political culture of “give and take” rather than the financial inducements alleged by critics.

Ultimately, the ruling party maintains that the goal in Rivers is to restore stability and secure a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections. Basiru assured the public that while many measures remain confidential for now, the final resolution will prioritize the long-term success of the “Renewed Hope” agenda in the oil-r