Rivers Power Struggle: Wike–Basiru Face-off Exposes Growing Fault Lines in APC
Story: written by Joseph January 6,2026
Fresh political tension has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a heated exchange involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, over developments in Rivers State.
The dispute, which also drew in APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom, is linked to the political realignment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Since joining the ruling party, Fubara has reportedly gained favour among sections of the APC leadership, with party figures openly commending his infrastructural projects across the state. This growing acceptance, however, appears to have unsettled Wike, the former Rivers governor.
Tensions escalated after Giadom described Fubara as a “so-called governor” during a political event in Gokana Local Government Area, while also declaring the area a political stronghold that required the endorsement of Wike for electoral success. The remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many describing them as disrespectful and capable of inflaming the already delicate political atmosphere in Rivers.
Reacting swiftly, Senator Basiru condemned Giadom’s comments, calling them inappropriate and inconsistent with his position as a member of the APC National Working Committee. He emphasised that the office of a sitting governor must be respected, regardless of party differences.
Basiru’s intervention, however, triggered a sharp response from Wike. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, the FCT minister warned Basiru to steer clear of Rivers politics, accusing political actors of making reckless statements allegedly tied to the state’s finances.
The verbal sparring intensified when Basiru fired back from Abuja, accusing Wike of attempting to destabilise the APC while serving in an APC-led federal government. He argued that Wike had no standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs and suggested that the minister should resign his cabinet position if he continued to fuel discord within the party.
Basiru further noted that APC records do not recognise Wike as a registered party member, insisting that his involvement in APC matters was inappropriate.
The public confrontation has raised concerns among party insiders. A senior APC official, who spoke anonymously, described the episode as damaging and warned that unresolved infighting could weaken the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in politically strategic Rivers State.
Political analyst Nduka Odo of Peaceland University, Enugu, said the clash reflects deeper issues of internal discipline and power struggle within the APC. He cautioned that public exchanges questioning the legitimacy of elected officials only heighten tension and undermine party cohesion.
Odo urged the APC leadership to urgently de-escalate the situation by moving discussions away from the media and activating internal conflict-resolution mechanisms, warning that failure to do so could further erode public confidence in the party.
