Senior figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed concern to President Bola Tinubu over the activities of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State.
The warning comes as Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, engage in a growing political rivalry. APC officials argue that Wike’s manoeuvres could disrupt party unity and risk a direct clash with the Presidency.
A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), speaking anonymously to The Guardian, said the party may soon insist that President Tinubu take a clear position.
“We may ask the President to choose between the party and his FCT minister if Wike continues acting as though he alone can advance the President’s political interests in Rivers or elsewhere. He is not a registered member of this party,” the source said.
The alert follows Wike’s statement that Governor Fubara would not secure a second term in 2027, remarks that have angered APC loyalists, particularly in Rivers State.
Party strategists insist that the APC cannot allow Wike, who is not formally registered with the party, to undermine the President’s influence in the oil-rich state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Eddy Olafeso, described Wike’s predicament as the result of being outpaced by Fubara, who quickly aligned with the APC, leaving his former boss politically isolated.
Speaking to The Guardian, Olafeso said, “Wike is perhaps the most unfortunate politician in the history of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Fubara moved quickly to join the APC, leaving Wike behind.”
He added that APC stalwarts have effectively sidelined Wike, recognising Fubara as the party leader in Rivers State. Some party members have even called for Wike’s removal from his ministerial position.
