APC Engaging Wike in Bid to Settle Rivers Political Dispute — Basiru

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that negotiations are underway with Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of a broader effort to resolve the prolonged political impasse in Rivers State.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made the disclosure on Thursday during an appearance on the television programme Beyond The Headlines, emphasizing that Wike’s involvement is strategic given the importance of Rivers State to the party’s political interests and to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The engagement comes amid ongoing tensions within the state—particularly between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara—that have periodically stalled governance and triggered impeachment actions.

Basiru acknowledged that although Wike is not formally a member of the APC, he remains a vocal supporter of President Tinubu and a key political actor whose cooperation is viewed as essential to calming the crisis.

“Of course, as you know, Wike is an avowed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though not a member of the political party,” Basiru said, stressing that Rivers State’s stability is crucial “to the success of President Tinubu.”

The APC scribe noted that much of the consultation involving Wike is being handled behind the scenes, with details yet to be made public. “Not every measure being taken will be made public through the media,” he said, underscoring the confidential nature of the discussions aimed at restoring political equilibrium in the state.

Basiru expressed confidence that the initiative will culminate in an amicable resolution that produces no clear winners or losers, adding that the party will share further outcomes in due course. “The Rivers State crisis will be settled amicably, without winners or losers,” he assured.

The Rivers State political crisis has drawn national attention since late 2025, as disagreements over party control and governance arrangements escalated between Wike’s faction and Governor Fubara.

The situation intensified following Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025—a move interpreted as part of pre-election realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.