A significant political confrontation has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, primarily centered on the politics of Rivers State. The feud escalated after Wike issued strong warnings for national political figures, specifically Basiru, to cease interfering in Rivers State’s affairs, a directive swiftly rejected by Basiru, who, in turn, called for Wike to resign and address his perceived "obsession" with the state's political landscape.

The genesis of this renewed political tension traces back to a statement by Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), made "last Tuesday" during Wike's 'thank you' visit to Gokana Local Government Area. Giadom reportedly referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the "so-called governor of Rivers State" and asserted that Fubara "must go through Wike" to achieve any political success. This remark was widely seen as fueling Wike's political offensive against Fubara in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to Giadom’s controversial remarks, Senator Basiru publicly condemned the disrespect shown to Governor Fubara, emphasizing that the office of a governor, regardless of party affiliation or political differences, is an exalted position that demands respect. He stated, "I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC, who is the Vice Chairman of the South-South zone of the APC, was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State’... The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have or whatever animosity exists between them."

Minister Wike, during a 'thank-you' visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday, January 5, perceived Basiru's condemnation as unwarranted interference. Wike insisted that Rivers State's political decisions, including its support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, were deliberate, collective, and must not be taken for granted. He stressed that Rivers was unique in being the only state where two dominant political parties openly cooperated during the last general election. Wike issued a stern caution to those who "come to Rivers State, because you have heard about this already. You come here, you collect, and you open your mouth and start talking," alleging that some actors were speaking recklessly due to the N600 billion reportedly in the state’s coffers. He warned Basiru directly, "Leave Rivers State alone... Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make."

In a powerful counter-response issued in a statement also on Monday, January 5, Senator Basiru dismissed Wike's warnings and allegations, asserting that Wike, not being a member of the APC, lacked the locus standi to interfere in the ruling party's internal affairs or comment on its leadership. Basiru vehemently rejected Wike’s claims of his interest in Rivers State funds as "baseless" and "cheap blackmail," challenging him to provide proof and stating his own record of "unquestionable integrity." Basiru expressed shock at Wike’s "uncouth responses" to what he termed an "innocuous statement" about respecting governors. He further countered Wike’s veiled threats, stating, "I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted Military rule, fighting for democracy, when the likes of Wike were nowhere in sight," and affirmed his faith in God over Wike's perceived political power.

The deeper political struggle involves the forthcoming 2027 general elections. Wike has explicitly declared his intention to politically bury Governor Fubara if he seeks a second term, contrasting sharply with Basiru's prior actions, where he led members of the APC National Executive Committee to Port Harcourt to publicly endorse Fubara for a second term. Further complicating the dynamics, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has officially endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, commending his people-centered development agenda and calling on Minister Wike to allow Fubara to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities without interference. The IYC sternly warned that the patience of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness, rejecting any political arrangements by Wike or his proxies that undermine the governor's mandate.

As the political tensions persist, Wike insists that Rivers State has made an irreversible political decision and will not be pressured into changing course. Meanwhile, Basiru accuses Wike of attempting to inject "the spirit of the PDP" into the APC and destabilize the party's structures in Rivers State, emphasizing that a minister in an APC-led government should not be causing such confusion. Both political heavyweights remain steadfast in their positions, underscoring the profound divisions and power struggles within the state and national political spheres.