The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the people of Rivers State to rally behind the ruling party and support President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2027 general elections.
Basiru made the appeal on Monday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the newly completed Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters at Elimgbu community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
He praised Fubara’s governance record, describing his achievements as evidence of APC’s commitment to people-oriented leadership.
“We bring the goodwill of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to the good people of Rivers State, particularly one of the latest sign-ins into the pan-African, pan-Nigerian political party, the APC,” Basiru said.
“The only way Rivers people can reciprocate is to continue voting for the APC at all levels. In the fullness of time, during the general elections, the votes for our party, our governor and our President will be massive in Rivers State.”
Basiru’s remarks appeared to contradict the truce earlier brokered by President Tinubu between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The deal, reached at the Presidential Villa after weeks of political crisis, reportedly stipulated that Fubara would complete his four-year tenure but not seek re-election in 2027.
In return, Wike was granted the right to nominate all 23 local government chairpersons across Rivers State, restoring grassroots control to him. Fubara also agreed to pay outstanding allowances owed to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who had been suspended from the state assembly.
Presidency sources described the arrangement as a compromise designed to restore calm, but one that came at a steep cost for Fubara’s political future.
APC’s New Narrative
Basiru’s comments now suggest a recalibration within the APC, positioning Fubara as a valuable asset to the party and potentially reopening the door to a second-term bid.
He described Rivers State as “a shining example of APC governance” and noted that the South-South had become the first geopolitical zone with all APC governors following Fubara’s defection.
“By the entrance of Governor Fubara into the APC, the South-South geopolitical zone has become the first zone to have all APC governors,” Basiru said, adding that the feat was followed by the North-Central.
He attributed the development to President Tinubu, whom he described as “a detribalised Nigerian who puts national interest above sentiment.”
“Mr Governor, you are not only providing accommodation for Permanent Secretaries, but you are also giving hope to those joining the public service in Rivers State today that one day they, too, can have befitting accommodation,” he said.
Governor Fubara, speaking at the event, focused on the housing project, which he said was designed to enhance productivity and improve the welfare of senior civil servants.
He assured that similar welfare interventions would be extended to other categories of civil servants, while directing the Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure proper maintenance of the estate.
The remarks by Basiru have reignited speculation about Fubara’s political future. While the Tinubu-brokered truce was intended to stabilize Rivers politics, the APC’s national leadership now appears to be signaling support for Fubara’s continued relevance beyond 2027.
Observers say the contradiction reflects the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where agreements are struck are often easily reshaped by party dynamics and electoral calculations.
For Rivers State, the unfolding scenario sets the stage for a potentially contentious 2027 election, and a possible atrocious clash of the titans of two opposing political juggernauts.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
