JUST IN: Rivers APC Warns Wike, Rejects Impeachment Threats as Progressive Governors Back Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has firmly rejected the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, warning that the move is politically motivated and capable of destabilising the state if allowed to continue.

The party said the process not only threatens peace and governance in Rivers State but could also damage the image and internal cohesion of the APC at a critical moment.

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Rivers State APC spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party leadership said it was closely monitoring the unfolding events at the Rivers State House of Assembly and expressed deep concern over the direction the situation was taking.

While acknowledging the constitutional role of the legislature in democratic governance, the APC described the impeachment effort as unacceptable, ill-timed, and driven by narrow political interests rather than the collective good of the state.

According to the party, the impeachment move is a spillover of unresolved internal disputes within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that such conflicts should not be allowed to undermine governance in Rivers State, which is currently being administered under the APC-led federal government.

The party cautioned that turning legislative processes into tools for political vendettas could have far-reaching consequences for stability, development, and investor confidence in the state.

Beyond the party’s position in Rivers State, News Week Nigeria gathered that the Progressive Governors’ Forum has thrown its full weight behind Governor Fubara, signaling strong opposition to the impeachment process from influential APC stakeholders across the country.

According to sources familiar with the deliberations of the forum, several progressive governors have praised Fubara’s conduct amid the political tension, describing his response as mature, restrained, and statesmanlike.

The governors commended the Rivers State governor for prioritising peace and continuity of governance despite the pressure and uncertainty surrounding the impeachment threat. They are said to believe that dialogue, restraint, and adherence to constitutional provisions remain the best path to resolving political disagreements, rather than resorting to drastic measures that could plunge the state into crisis.

Further investigations by News Week Nigeria also revealed that some influential political figures in Abuja are not in support of the impeachment proceedings. These individuals, sources said, are concerned about the broader implications of the move, particularly its potential to heighten political tension in the Niger Delta region and distract from governance at a time when economic and security challenges require collective focus.

In its statement, the Rivers APC addressed the issues being cited as justification for the impeachment, particularly those relating to budgetary matters. The party recalled that during the period of emergency rule in the state, a one-year budget amounting to ₦1.485 trillion was presented to the National Assembly by the President. That budget, according to the APC, received approval from the Senate on 25 June 2025 and from the House of Representatives on 22 July 2025.

The party noted that the approved budget was designed to run until August 2026, providing a clear fiscal framework for governance during the period in question. It argued that the current impeachment threat, allegedly linked to demands for a supplementary budget, lacks constitutional grounding.

“The governor is not constitutionally compelled to present a supplementary budget if he is satisfied with the existing one,” the APC stated, adding that the Nigerian Constitution permits a six-month spending window into a new fiscal year. According to the party, this provision gives the executive sufficient flexibility to continue governance without breaching constitutional or fiscal rules.

The APC leadership stressed that budgetary disagreements, where they exist, should be addressed through constructive engagement between the executive and the legislature, rather than being weaponised to justify impeachment. It warned that such an approach could set a dangerous precedent and undermine democratic norms.

The party also issued a strong appeal to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly those elected on the APC platform, urging them to resist external pressures aimed at destabilising the state government. According to the statement, lawmakers have a responsibility not only to their constituencies but also to the party and the broader interests of Rivers State.

The APC cautioned that allowing themselves to be drawn into politically motivated actions could weaken the party’s administration in the state and erode public trust. It emphasised that unity, discipline, and respect for internal party processes are essential for sustaining governance and delivering development to the people.

“The APC will take all necessary steps to prevent internal conflicts from weakening the party’s administration in Rivers State,” the statement said. It added that the leadership would not hesitate to intervene where necessary to protect the party’s image and ensure that governance is not derailed by avoidable political crises.

The party concluded by calling on the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately halt the impeachment process, stressing that doing so would serve the best interests of the state and the party. According to the APC, Rivers State stands to gain more from stability, cooperation, and continuity in governance than from prolonged political battles.

As the political situation continues to evolve, the stance of the Rivers APC, the backing of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and the reported opposition from influential figures in Abuja are likely to play a significant role in shaping the outcome. For now, the party’s position is clear: impeachment is not the solution, and dialogue remains the preferred path to safeguarding democracy and development in Rivers State.