The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is being actively engaged as part of efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, despite his non-membership in the ruling party..
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, disclosed this during a televised interview, describing Wike as a critical political stakeholder whose influence remains central to stabilising Rivers State’s political environment.
Basiru explained that Rivers State holds strategic importance for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, making it necessary to involve all influential political actors capable of facilitating a negotiated settlement. He acknowledged Wike’s public support for President Tinubu and confirmed that the former Rivers governor is being consulted in ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at achieving a political resolution rather than prolonged confrontation.
The political crisis in Rivers State stems from an escalating rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with tensions manifesting in legislative disputes, power struggles within party structures, and threats of impeachment.
APC officials indicated that back-channel negotiations are underway, with the objective of reaching a compromise that prevents further political instability in the state and preserves governance continuity. The party has framed the engagement with Wike as part of a broader strategy to ensure unity among pro-Tinubu political forces ahead of future electoral contests.
Basiru further suggested that meaningful political resolutions often occur away from public scrutiny, emphasizing that sustained dialogue rather than media exchanges remains the preferred route to resolving the Rivers impasse.
The development marks a shift from earlier tensions between the APC leadership and Wike, following previous exchanges over his involvement in Rivers politics and his continued role within the Tinubu administration. Observers note that the APC’s willingness to engage Wike underscores his enduring influence in Rivers State’s political architecture and the administration’s interest in preventing further fragmentation within the region.
The outcome of the reconciliation efforts is expected to shape political alignments in Rivers State as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general election cycle, with analysts closely monitoring whether a sustainable power-sharing arrangement or political détente will emerge
