The lingering political feud between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has entered another tense phase, with fresh disputes over control of the All Progressives Congress (APC), renewed high-level consultations in Abuja, and growing speculation that the governor may be considering a future move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The rivalry, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, has transformed from a domestic political disagreement into a wider battle for supremacy, party structure and future electoral control in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in late 2025 marked a major political turning point in the state.
Defection Reshaped Rivers Politics
The move was interpreted by many observers as a strategic realignment aimed at easing political pressure, rebuilding alliances and securing relevance within the national power equation.
However, rather than ending tensions, the defection opened a fresh struggle over who controls the APC structure in Rivers State.
Wike Rejects Fubara as Rivers APC Leader
On December 29, 2025, Wike publicly dismissed claims that Fubara automatically became the leader of the APC in Rivers State after joining the party.
The former Rivers governor insisted that political leadership is not transferred by mere defection, arguing that party structures, loyalty and long-standing contributions determine real leadership.
His position immediately signaled that Fubara’s entry into the APC would not come without resistance.
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