On Monday, a fresh round of political tension erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over Rivers State politics.

The flare-up followed sharp exchanges involving Wike, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom.

The controversy centers on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Since his defection, Fubara has appeared to gain favor with the party’s hierarchy, with some officials praising his projects across the state—a development that reportedly did not sit well with Wike.

The latest twist came after Chief Victor Giadom, during a political gathering in Gokana Local Government Area, referred to Fubara as a “so-called Governor” and declared Gokana a “no-go area” for politicians, insisting that anyone seeking electoral success there must first secure Wike’s approval. The remarks sparked outrage among political observers, seen as disrespectful and inflammatory in an already tense Rivers political environment.

Basiru Rebukes Giadom

In response, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru publicly rebuked Giadom, describing the comments as “unfortunate” and unbecoming of a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Basiru stressed that, regardless of political affiliation or internal disagreements, the office of a sitting governor must be respected.

“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC referred to a governor as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State,’” Basiru said. “No matter his allegiances, it is unbecoming for someone in such a sensitive position.” He further emphasized that governors from opposition parties deserve respect, noting that the governorship is “an exalted position” that should not be diminished for political convenience.

Wike Fires Warning

However, Basiru’s intervention drew a sharp response from Wike. Speaking during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, the PDP minister warned the APC scribe to steer clear of Rivers State politics. He accused unnamed actors of exploiting the alleged N600 billion left in the state coffers to make reckless statements, specifically referencing Giadom’s remarks. Wike reiterated claims that Fubara could not secure a second term without his backing and cautioned Basiru against making “careless” comments about Rivers affairs.

Basiru Hits Back, Calls for Wike’s Resignation

The dispute escalated when Basiru, from Abuja, accused Wike of attempting to destabilize the APC. He described the minister’s response as “uncouth” and incompatible with a serving member of an APC-led government.

“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government while causing confusion within the party,” Basiru said, adding that the “honorable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister.” He also noted that Wike is not a registered APC member, arguing that he has no authority to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.

Cracks Within APC

A senior APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the public exchange as “deeply embarrassing” and warned that such disputes could undermine the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general election. The official emphasized that internal disagreements should be resolved through party mechanisms, noting that unresolved conflicts in the politically strategic Niger Delta state could be costly.

“The fiery exchange is unnecessary and damaging to the party’s image. If it continues unchecked, it will weaken unity and harm the party politically, especially in a swing state like Rivers,” the official said.

Analysts Warn of Escalation

Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo described the controversy as a classic example of elite power struggles spilling into the open. He warned that questioning a sitting governor’s legitimacy or issuing public ultimatums is dangerous, escalating tensions rather than resolving conflicts.

“When senior figures engage in public confrontation, it signals a breakdown of discipline and shifts focus away from governance to personal rivalries,” Odo said. “The APC must urgently de-escalate this conflict and pull discussions away from the media. Failure to do so risks deepening divisions and projecting the party as disorganized.”