A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Austin Okai, has warned that the ongoing political crisis between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara could ultimately consume the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The political tension in Rivers resurfaced after Wike vowed to work against Fubara’s re-election bid.
Although the governor is now a member of the APC, he enjoys the backing of some senior party figures.
Wike, however, cautioned party leaders to stay away from Rivers politics, a remark that sparked a heated exchange between him and the APC national leadership.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Tuesday, Okai predicted that the crisis could spread beyond Rivers State if not urgently addressed.
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He said the former Rivers governor’s comments were not only directed at the APC National Secretary but also at key figures within the presidency.
“For over a decade, crises in ruling parties have usually started from Rivers State. What you see happening there will consume the APC unless the president summons the courage to call the FCT minister to order,” Okai stated.
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According to him, Wike appears determined to anchor his political survival on Rivers politics, insisting that his influence has grown to the point where he speaks more boldly than several top APC leaders.
“Wike is talking tough, even more than the APC National Chairman, the NSA, the Chief of Staff, and sometimes more than the president himself,” he added.
The National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, had warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to desist from what he described as attempts to destabilise the party.
He insisted that the minister should “immediately resign” from the President Bola Tinubu administration if he cannot stop interfering in the party’s affairs.
The APC scribe stressed that Wike lacked the standing to interfere in the party’s internal affairs, stating emphatically that “our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party, APC, so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party.”
Reacting, Wike also warned Basiru to “leave Rivers State alone”, urging the party leader to be careful with statements he makes.
Wike gave the warning during his “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, alleging that the APC had received some funds from the N600 billion sum left in the state’s coffers.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
