𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: 𝐀𝐏𝐂 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐞

Senior figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and top government officials are reportedly weighing coordinated steps to check what they describe as the “overbearing influence and disruptive posture” of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Multiple party insiders disclosed that the initiative is being driven from the highest levels of the APC’s national leadership, with the aim of preventing the minister from fueling internal discord, particularly in Rivers State.

Tensions reportedly escalated following Wike’s sustained opposition to the APC’s open endorsement of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for a second term in 2027. The party’s stance has enjoyed backing from influential stakeholders within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Wike, a former Rivers governor, played a decisive role in Fubara’s political rise, having marshalled the structures and resources that secured his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and eventual victory in the 2023 governorship election. However, their relationship reportedly deteriorated barely five months into Fubara’s tenure, amid disputes over control, power sharing, and access to state resources.

The fallout later spiralled into impeachment attempts against the governor, with the political crisis lingering until March 2025, when emergency rule was imposed on Rivers State, leading to the suspension of both the governor and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

Following the lifting of emergency rule, the political equation in Rivers shifted significantly. Governor Fubara reportedly recalibrated his alliances, aligning more closely with President Tinubu. This repositioning culminated in his defection from the PDP to the APC on December 9, 2025, a move described by insiders as a “political ambush” that caught Wike off guard.

Investigations revealed that the current push to politically contain the FCT minister is allegedly being coordinated by a powerful APC governor from the Southeast, who occupies a strategic position within the bloc of APC governors. Sources said the governor was displeased with what he perceived as attempts, linked to Wike, to sponsor a rival political structure in his state, fronted by a PDP ally.

Further findings suggest that the strategy to “cut the minister to size” could involve a united front of APC governors, ministers, party leaders, and key federal stakeholders who are said to be increasingly uncomfortable with Wike’s public conduct.

Party leaders, including Vice President Shettima, are reportedly unhappy with Wike’s recent verbal attack on the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. The outburst followed the party’s formal endorsement of Fubara’s re-election bid and his recognition as the APC leader in Rivers State by top figures, including National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Sources also disclosed that part of the plan is to submit a formal resolution to President Tinubu, outlining reasons why party leaders believe the minister’s continued presence in an APC-led administration has become untenable.

“They intend to ask the President to make a choice between Wike and the leadership of the APC. It is a move that could place the President in a difficult position,” a source familiar with the development said.

The aggrieved stakeholders are reportedly waiting for President Tinubu’s return from his end of year vacation abroad before formally presenting their demands.

Meanwhile, Wike, who is said to be aware of the unfolding plot, appears unfazed. He has continued to tour local government areas in Rivers State, mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

The minister has also vowed to oppose any attempt by the APC to grant Governor Fubara a second term ticket, insisting there is an existing agreement that bars the governor from seeking re-election. According to Wike, the President was aware of this understanding, which he maintains must be honoured.

“An agreement is an agreement,” the minister has repeatedly stated, adding that part of the deal grants him the right to nominate Fubara’s successor, a role he insists on retaining.

However, an APC leader, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, dismissed Wike’s position, saying the minister was “stuck in the past.”

“He is referring to an agreement with Governor Fubara as a PDP governor. What we have now is Governor Fubara of the APC. That changes everything,” the source said.

As political actors await President Tinubu’s return, indications suggest that turbulent days may lie ahead within the ruling party.