The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that the party leadership is currently engaging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing efforts to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State, citing his strong support for the ruling party’s re-emergence in 2027 despite not being a registered member of the party.
This development was disclosed on Thursday by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, during an interview on TVC’s ‘Beyond The Headlines’, emphasising Wike’s influence in the Rivers State political structure and his support for President Bola Tinubu.
Basiru said, “Of course, as you know, Wike is an avowed supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even though not a member of the political party.
“Rivers State is critical to the success of President Tinubu, and definitely, he will be engaged. He’s been engaged in an amicable resolution in the state as expected,” adding that the ongoing political consultations is confidential saying “not every measure being taken will be made public through the media.”
The crisis began when the Rivers State House of Assembly asked the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers requested through a unanimous vote, insisting that the impeachment process would proceed citing what they described as attempts by the governor to intimidate and blackmail the legislature.
Following the Assembly’s request, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interim order preventing the Chief Judge of Rivers State from accepting an impeachment notice directed at Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Odu.
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined a request to set up a 7-man judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing a court order barring him from taking up the action.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had asked the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned indefinitely the suit filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu, challenging the impeachment process initiated against them by the Speaker and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Basiru further assured Nigerians and the people of Rivers State that the crisis would be settled amicably, without winners or losers, and promised that details of the resolution would be shared publicly in the coming days.
Addressing criticisms that the APC is predominantly an elite party attracting only governors and political heavyweights, Basiru clarified that the influx to the party is a testament to the political goodwill and ideology entrenched within the party.
“Our tradition is socio-democratic, pro-people, and we are working to strengthen our party. We are mobilising, conscientising, and showing Nigerians why the pan-Nigerian political party, the APC, is the party to be in. The masses of Nigerian people are joining our party in large numbers.”
