BREAKING: APC Declares Wike Will Be Under Fubara If He Defects to the Party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a firm position on the growing speculation surrounding the political future of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that he would operate under the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, should he decide to defect to the ruling party.

In a statement that underscores the party’s insistence on internal order and hierarchy, the APC made it clear that political structures already in place within any state would be respected, regardless of an individual’s past influence or current status at the federal level.

According to the party, defection into the APC does not automatically translate into control of party machinery or confer leadership over existing structures.

The clarification was provided by the APC Director of Information, Bala Ibrahim, who addressed the matter amid persistent rumours of a possible defection by Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and one of the most influential political figures in the South-South region, currently serves as FCT Minister under the APC-led federal government.

Speaking on the issue, Ibrahim stated that while the APC remains an open and accommodating party, its internal rules and leadership hierarchy must be respected by all members, new or old.

“If he decides to join the party, he will be given a seat, there will be a place for him,” Ibrahim said. “But such accommodation does not override the authority of a sitting governor who already controls the party structure in the state.”

Ibrahim stressed that political leadership follows office and current position, not past roles or influence. According to him, loyalty within the party is expected to flow in line with existing authority, particularly where a sitting governor is involved.

“It’s a choice for him to be under Fubara,” the APC spokesman explained. “If you follow, you will be followed, but if you don’t follow, nobody is going to follow you. When he was the governor, he was followed. Now that he is not the governor, he must follow. You can’t carry the position of leadership after vacating the seat.”

The statement reflects the APC’s broader position that no individual, regardless of stature or past political dominance, is bigger than the party or its internal regulations. Ibrahim emphasized that the rules guiding leadership and party administration are not designed to favour personalities but to ensure stability, discipline, and fairness.

“He can’t get what he wants all the time,” Ibrahim added. “There are times that if you go against the laid-down regulations, you can’t get what you want. Political rules must be respected by everyone, regardless of past influence or prominence.”

Rivers Politics and the Wike–Fubara Rift

The APC’s comments come against the backdrop of deepening political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in Rivers State. The rift, which has dominated political discourse in the state for months, centres on control of political structures, loyalty of lawmakers, and influence over party stakeholders.

Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years before handing over to Fubara in 2023, was instrumental in Fubara’s emergence as governor. However, the relationship between both men reportedly deteriorated soon after Fubara assumed office, with disagreements emerging over governance style, political appointments, and control of the state’s political machinery.

News Week Nigeria had earlier reported that the dispute escalated into a full-blown political crisis, involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, party loyalists, and competing claims of legitimacy. At the heart of the crisis is the struggle for supremacy between a former governor known for his strong grip on power and a sitting governor seeking to assert his authority.

While both men are still formally members of the PDP, Wike’s close working relationship with the APC-led federal government has fuelled speculation that he may eventually cross over to the ruling party. His role as FCT Minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further blurred partisan lines, especially in Rivers State, where political loyalties remain sharply divided.

APC’s Message on Party Supremacy

By stating unequivocally that Wike would be under Fubara if he defects, the APC appears keen to send a clear message about party supremacy and internal discipline. The party’s leadership seems determined to avoid importing factional disputes or parallel power centres into its structure, particularly in a politically sensitive state like Rivers.

Political analysts say the APC’s position is also aimed at reassuring its existing members and leaders in Rivers State that their roles will not be undermined by high-profile defections.

“The APC is drawing a line here,” said a Port Harcourt-based political observer. “They are saying, ‘No matter who you are or what you bring to the table, you must respect the existing structure.’ That is significant, especially given Wike’s reputation as a political strongman.”

Governor Fubara, who has gradually aligned more openly with the APC amid his fallout with Wike, is widely regarded as the party’s dominant figure in Rivers State. His control of the state apparatus and growing influence within the APC make him a central figure in the party’s strategy ahead of future elections.

Implications for 2027 and Beyond

The APC’s declaration has far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Rivers State and the South-South region as a whole. If Wike eventually defects to the APC, it would represent a major political shift, given his long-standing association with the PDP and his influence across the Niger Delta.

However, the condition that he would have to operate under Fubara may complicate such a move. Observers note that Wike is not known for playing a subordinate role, especially in a state where he once wielded near-absolute political control.

For the APC, the statement reinforces its commitment to order and hierarchy as it positions itself for future electoral contests, including the 2027 general elections. By emphasizing that leadership flows from current office, not past glory, the party is attempting to project itself as an institution governed by rules rather than personalities.

As the political drama in Rivers State continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Wike’s next move and how the evolving dynamics between him and Fubara will shape alliances, defections, and power balances in the months ahead. Whether Wike chooses to defect or remain within the PDP, the APC has made one thing clear: its structures are not for sale, and leadership within the party will follow established authority, not individual ambition.