ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has broken its silence on the political crisis in Rivers State, disclosing that behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing to resolve the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made the disclosure while speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, describing the talks as high-level “back-channel” engagements aimed at stabilising the state.
Basiru said that while the dispute has played out publicly through court cases and political exchanges, key efforts to reach a settlement are taking place away from public view.
Responding to questions on the perceived silence of the APC leadership amid impeachment threats and legal challenges facing Governor Fubara—now aligned with the APC—Basiru said effective politics is not conducted through press statements.
Drawing from his political experience, he said crucial decisions are often taken privately, adding that politicians operate discreetly rather than under constant public scrutiny.
He said the party’s objective is an amicable resolution with “no victor and no vanquished,” stressing that reconciliation remains the priority.
Basiru acknowledged Wike’s central role in the process, describing him as a key stakeholder and a committed supporter of President Bola Tinubu, despite his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He confirmed that the FCT minister is actively involved in the peace process, noting that Rivers State is critical to the success of the Tinubu administration and that sustained engagement is underway to achieve harmony.
Basiru said tensions between the APC leadership and Wike had eased, shifting the party’s focus to its broader political agenda ahead of 2027.
He added that the Rivers reconciliation aligns with the APC’s recent expansion, which has seen the party’s number of governors rise from 20 to 29. Basiru dismissed claims that the defections were induced by financial incentives, attributing the growth to President Tinubu’s leadership and political consensus-building.
