The All Progressive Congress (APC) has confirmed that former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is actively involved in efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, despite not being a registered member of the ruling party. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines, describing Wike as a central figure in the state’s political dynamics and a strong supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Of course, as you know, Wike is an avowed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though not a member of the political party,” Basiru said.
He added that Rivers State holds strategic importance for President Tinubu’s political fortunes, making Wike’s engagement in the reconciliation process inevitable. “Rivers State is critical to the success of President Tinubu, and definitely, he will be engaged. He’s been engaged in an amicable resolution in the state as expected.”
Basiru noted that the consultations aimed at resolving the crisis are largely being conducted behind closed doors, stressing that “not every measure being taken will be made public through the media.”
He assured Nigerians that the impasse in Rivers State would be resolved peacefully, without political casualties, and pledged that details of the agreement would be made public in the coming days.
Responding to criticisms that the APC is an elite-driven party dominated by governors and political heavyweights, Basiru rejected the notion, insisting the party enjoys broad grassroots support. “The APC is a very serious political party. We are a mass-based organisation… We are loved by the Nigerian people, and they are trooping out to join the APC.”
He further described the APC as a socio-democratic and pro-people platform, committed to nationwide mobilisation and political inclusion. “Our tradition is socio-democratic, pro-people… The masses of Nigerian people are joining our party in large numbers.”
The comments come amid a prolonged political rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over control of the state’s political structure, a feud that has shaped recent realignments.
Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC on December 9, 2025, ahead of the 2027 general elections, following similar moves by key lawmakers. Tensions escalated after the defection, culminating in impeachment proceedings initiated by the APC-aligned House of Assembly on January 8, 2026, a process widely linked to Wike’s influence but currently stalled by ongoing litigation.
