May 12, (THEWILL) — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Abuja, in a move that has intensified political speculations over growing efforts to frustrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s chances of securing a second term in 2027.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of the prolonged and bitter feud between Wike and his estranged political successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a crisis that has fractured the political structure that once made Rivers State one of the strongest strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Although neither camp officially disclosed details of the meeting, the high-level engagement has strengthened perceptions of an expanding political alliance between Wike and the APC leadership, particularly at a politically sensitive period as stakeholders await the outcome of the party’s governorship screening process.
Political observers say the latest meeting is unlikely to be ordinary, especially given previous comments and political developments suggesting that Wike remains strongly opposed to Fubara’s re-election ambition.
The political battle between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023. What initially started as disagreements over appointments and political structure rapidly escalated into a full-scale power struggle involving lawmakers, local government leadership, party executives and security institutions.
The Rivers State House of Assembly crisis, repeated impeachment threats, court battles and divisions within the PDP all emerged from the growing breakdown in relations between the two camps.
Despite several peace interventions, the crisis has persisted, with both camps consolidating rival political structures across the state.
Fubara has increasingly positioned himself as an independent political force seeking to break away from Wike’s longstanding dominance of Rivers politics. However, Wike’s camp has repeatedly argued that the governor abandoned the political structure that brought him to power.
The stakes surrounding the crisis rose significantly following reports quoting APC Chairman, Yilwatda, as revealing that Wike believed a second term for Fubara would amount to his political “burial”.
That statement reinforced widespread belief that stopping Fubara from returning in 2027 has become one of the central objectives of Wike’s current political strategy.
Speaking with THEWILL in Port Harcourt, a lecturer (name withheld) in the department of political science at the University of Port Harcourt, said Tuesday’s meeting with the APC chairman may, therefore, not be disconnected from ongoing consultations over possible political realignments ahead of the next governorship election in Rivers State, especially as the APC screening process and internal consultations continue to attract national attention.
There are increasing indications that forces loyal to Wike are gradually embedding themselves within APC structures in Rivers, even while many remain formally affiliated with the PDP.
The development has heightened concerns within the opposition that Rivers could become one of the major battlegrounds in the wider contest for political control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For the APC, Rivers State represents a critical political prize because of its enormous economic importance, voting strength and strategic influence within the South-South region.
For Wike, retaining relevance and control within Rivers politics is widely viewed as essential to preserving his national political influence after serving two terms as governor and now occupying one of the most visible positions in Tinubu’s cabinet.
The latest Abuja meeting is, therefore, expected to deepen anxieties within Fubara’s political camp, particularly amid fears of an emerging coalition designed to isolate the governor before the 2027 elections.
Although no official statement was issued after the visit, the symbolism of the meeting has already generated widespread political interpretations across Rivers State.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
