Senior figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly raised serious concerns with President Bola Tinubu over the political activities of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, particularly in Rivers State.
The development comes amid an escalating political rivalry between Wike and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, which party leaders fear could destabilise internal cohesion within the APC and create unnecessary tension with the Presidency.
According to party insiders, Wike’s continued interventions in Rivers politics are increasingly being viewed as disruptive, especially given that he is not a registered member of the APC.
A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously to The Guardian, disclosed that the party leadership is growing impatient and may soon demand decisive action from President Tinubu.
“We may ask the President to choose between the party and his FCT minister if Wike continues acting as though he alone can advance the President’s political interests in Rivers or anywhere else. He is not a registered member of this party, and his actions are becoming a liability,” the source said.
The source added that while the APC values strategic alliances, it would not tolerate any individual undermining its structure or attempting to impose personal influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tensions reportedly intensified following Wike’s public declaration that Governor Fubara would not secure a second term in office in 2027, a comment that angered APC loyalists in Rivers State and beyond.
Party strategists argue that such statements risk alienating party supporters and weakening President Tinubu’s political standing in the oil-rich state.
They insist that the APC cannot afford to allow a non-member to dominate its political narrative or create parallel power structures capable of undermining the party’s electoral prospects.
APC Wary of 2027 Political Implications
Sources within the party say the APC leadership is particularly concerned about maintaining unity and discipline as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually begin.
According to insiders, Rivers State remains strategically important to the party, and any internal discord could cost the APC valuable political ground.
Some APC leaders reportedly believe that Wike’s confrontational posture could weaken the party’s relationship with Governor Fubara, whom they now regard as a key political asset in the state.
Olafeso: Wike Faces Political Isolation
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South-West), Eddy Olafeso, has also weighed in on the matter, describing Wike’s current situation as a consequence of political miscalculation.
Speaking to The Guardian, Olafeso said Wike had been outmaneuvered by Governor Fubara, who swiftly aligned himself with the APC, leaving his former political benefactor isolated.
“Wike is perhaps the most unfortunate politician in the history of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Fubara moved quickly to join the APC, leaving Wike behind,” Olafeso stated.
He added that APC stalwarts in Rivers State have effectively embraced Fubara as the party’s leader in the state, further diminishing Wike’s influence.
According to Olafeso, some party members have even begun calling for Wike’s removal from his ministerial position, arguing that his continued presence in the federal cabinet could become politically untenable if tensions persist.
As the political drama unfolds, observers say the coming months will determine whether President Tinubu intervenes decisively to restore calm or allows the situation to play out within the party’s internal mechanisms.