Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the once formidable political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State appears to be facing serious internal resistance, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Investigations by Headlineswave.ng reveal that influential figures within the APC have raised concerns over Wike’s growing political dominance in Rivers State, describing it as overbearing. These concerns, it was gathered, have been formally communicated to President Bola Tinubu, with calls for a recalibration of Wike’s influence in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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Uzodimma’s Intervention and the Rivers Power Shift
Sources disclosed that the turning point came when Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, allegedly discovered that Wike was making strategic moves in Imo State to position Sam Anyanwu, secretary of Wike’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as his preferred successor in 2028.
Alarmed by the development, Uzodimma reportedly moved swiftly, initiating a series of strategic engagements with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, aimed at encouraging his defection to the APC and weakening Wike’s political hold over Rivers State.
Central to the negotiations, insiders say, was the offer of a second-term ticket for Fubara, backed by a powerful APC bloc with strong national influence—an incentive that reportedly tilted the balance in Fubara’s favour.
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From One-Term Pact to Second-Term Ambition
The new arrangement marked a sharp departure from an earlier understanding that Fubara would not seek a second term after 2027—an agreement he publicly referenced following a truce reached in Abuja. At the time, the deal was met with disappointment among many of his supporters.
However, the tide reportedly shifted following Uzodimma’s intervention. Prominent Rivers PDP stakeholders, including former National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Governor Celestine Omehia, and former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara, were said to have welcomed the new political alignment.
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Presidency Signals and Rising Confidence
Political observers say the deal gained further credibility following a high-profile visit to Port Harcourt by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, and Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal. During the visit, Ribadu reportedly conveyed President Tinubu’s message expressing satisfaction with Fubara’s leadership style.
Buoyed by perceived presidential backing, Fubara has since adopted a more assertive political posture. Shortly after aligning with the APC, he declared that his group would “follow Tinubu directly” and not engage in political double-dealing—remarks widely interpreted as a swipe at Wike, who remains in the PDP while supporting Tinubu’s administration.
In his New Year address to Rivers residents, Fubara further criticised what he described as political “noise,” a comment observers linked to Wike’s recent media engagements and statewide political tours. 
Wike Pushes Back
Wike, however, has dismissed the political significance of Fubara’s APC membership, describing the party card issued to the governor as inconsequential to his re-election prospects.
Drawing parallels with Lagos politics during a televised interview, the FCT minister argued that President Tinubu remains the leader of the APC in Lagos despite having a sitting governor—insisting that the same principle applies in Rivers State. He further hinted at undisclosed agreements with Fubara, repeatedly stressing that “agreement is agreement.”
Growing Tension in Rivers Assembly
Tensions escalated further after Rivers State lawmakers reportedly loyal to Wike rejected a ₦100,000 Christmas gift from Governor Fubara, describing it as “unsolicited and unapproved.”
With both camps hardening their positions, political analysts warn that the Wike–
Fubara rivalry could intensify in the coming months, reshaping Rivers State’s political landscape as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
