In a dramatic twist to the ongoing political realignment in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly challenged the notion that Governor Siminalayi Fubara automatically becomes the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following his defection.
Wike's Challenge to Fubara's Leadership Claim
Speaking during an end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on December 29, 2025, Wike argued that political conventions have exceptions. He insisted that merely defecting to a party does not confer leadership, emphasizing that a candidate must bring value to the table. "Defecting to another party does not make you the leader. When you said you are joining the party, you must have something to offer," Wike stated.
He further questioned, "Who is the leader of the APC in Lagos State? There are exceptions to rules." This declaration directly counters Governor Fubara's position, who had declared himself the APC leader in Rivers after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and receiving membership number 001.
More significantly, Wike claimed that his political camp retains control of the crucial grassroots structures across Rivers State. He asserted that no candidate can win an election in the state without the backing of his supporters, who he said control the local council and ward structures.
Rebuttals and Legal Opinion
Wike's stance has not gone unchallenged. Legal practitioner and political analyst, Living Jamala, described the FCT minister's comments as "laughable" and "preposterous." Jamala pointed out the contradiction in a PDP member attempting to define leadership within the APC, stating that such matters are the exclusive preserve of a party's internal structures and members.
Similarly, the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, through its Caretaker Chairman, Nname Ewor, dismissed Wike's recent claims that the PDP no longer exists in the state. Ewor, speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, insisted the party remains solidly rooted and politically relevant. "There is APC, and there is PDP in Rivers State. The APC in Rivers State is led by the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while the PDP in Rivers State is led by me," Ewor clarified, questioning Wike's authority to make such pronouncements while not belonging to a recognized party.
Denial of Makinde's Allegations and PDP National's Condemnation
During the same media chat, Wike also addressed allegations made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Makinde had claimed that Wike promised to weaken the PDP to favour President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike categorically denied this, calling it a "blatant lie" and challenging Makinde to provide evidence or explain why he never reported such a meeting to the PDP leadership.
Wike explained that the only meeting involving Makinde and some other PDP governors after the 2023 polls was a courtesy visit to President Tinubu, not a political negotiation. He suggested Makinde's frustration stemmed from his (Wike's) decision to remain in the PDP despite working with the Tinubu administration.
In a strong statement, the national leadership of the PDP condemned Wike's declared intention to support the APC in the 2027 presidential election while remaining a PDP member. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described the move as "nothing less than a locus classicus of anti-democratic adventurism." The PDP argued that such conduct undermines democratic norms and internal party discipline, aligning with what it called Wike's longstanding pattern of political provocation.
The political landscape in Rivers State is now marked by a complex power struggle, with Wike asserting influence from outside the APC, Governor Fubara seeking to establish his authority within his new party, and the PDP fighting to assert its continued relevance amidst the high-profile defection and internal discord.
