The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that high-level negotiations are underway to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Appearing on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru offered rare insight into the party’s strategic approach to the Rivers situation.
He explained that while the public sees court battles and heated exchanges, the real work of stabilisation is happening behind closed doors.
“Real politics is rarely conducted via press statements,” Basiru said, adding that politicians are “nocturnal animals” who often take concrete decisions away from public scrutiny.
Wike’s Role in the Peace Process
Despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike was acknowledged as a critical stakeholder in the reconciliation effort. Basiru described him as an avowed supporter of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that Rivers State is vital to the President’s success.
“Wike is being actively engaged in the peace process. The party is working toward an amicable resolution where there will be no victor and no vanquished,” Basiru confirmed.
This marks a significant cooling of tensions between the APC leadership and Wike. Months earlier, Basiru had suggested Wike should resign if he could not align with the administration’s goals.
He now says those emotions have subsided, with the focus shifting to the party’s “Renewed Hope for 2027” agenda.
The reconciliation in Rivers is part of a broader expansionist push by the APC, which has increased its tally of governors from 20 to 29 in recent months.
Basiru dismissed suggestions that defections—including the recent crossover of the Kano State Governor—were secured through financial inducements.
Instead, he credited the party’s growth to President Tinubu’s “sagacious leadership” and a spirit of “give and take” within Nigeria’s political class.
The APC’s handling of the Rivers State crisis shows it is determined about consolidating power ahead of the 2027 elections.
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