The political landscape of Rivers State is currently a focal point of intense discussion, marked by contrasting assertions from key political figures regarding leadership, influence, and party allegiance. At the center of this discourse are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during a recent visit to the Okrika local government area of Rivers State, directly addressed Governor Fubara, asserting that the very political forces now being criticized were instrumental in Fubara's ascension to governorship. Wike metaphorically stated, "That same dog barked and helped make you governor," implying his significant role in Fubara's political rise. He emphasized a newfound unity within the state's politics, declaring that there are no longer "no-go areas" and that political rivalries are dissolving as stakeholders rally around a common cause, which he termed the 'real Hope family.' Wike stressed that this alignment transcends traditional party lines, focusing instead on shared interests and a collective resolve to correct past mistakes.

During his address, Wike also refuted claims questioning his political camp's electoral strength, stating that political advantage is rooted in organization and total mobilization rather than pessimistic projections. He vehemently defended his academic and political background against personal attacks, particularly a critic who labeled him "semi-illiterate." Wike highlighted his legal education, status as a Life Bencher, and national honor (CON), contrasting his consistent electoral victories with the failures of his detractors. He further underscored his verifiable performance in various public offices, from party leadership to commissioner, governor, and now FCT Minister, dismissing criticisms as the resort of those lacking electoral relevance. Wike also denied masterminding legal troubles for opponents, recalling past prosecutions that predated any alleged influence from him.

The primary purpose of Wike's visit to Okrika was to express gratitude for loyalty and reaffirm his political bond with supporters, cautioning them against believing that financial power alone guarantees political victory. He stressed the importance of leadership and consistency, thanking the people of Okrika for reclaiming their local council and assuring women in the area of continued partnership.

In a parallel development that directly contrasts Wike's narrative, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the legitimate leader of the APC in Rivers State. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’ programme, Dr. Ganduje clarified that it is the established practice within the APC to recognize serving governors as the leaders of the party in their respective states. He noted, however, that while Fubara holds this privilege, he is expected to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and effective coordination within the party structure.

Dr. Ganduje further addressed queries regarding the party's potential support for Fubara in a bid for a second term, drawing parallels with the process in Ekiti State where the sitting governor had to undergo party primaries like any other aspirant. He affirmed that the same rule would apply to Governor Fubara if he seeks the APC ticket. Crucially, Dr. Ganduje explicitly stated that all discussions concerning the APC's affairs in Rivers State would be held with Governor Fubara, not with Nyesom Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He dismissed the idea of Wike influencing APC politics, insisting that his focus as party chairman is solely on APC members.

These pronouncements follow Governor Fubara's defection to the APC and his subsequent declaration as the '001 of APC' in the state. However, Wike, in an earlier veiled response, had dismissed such claims, stating, "There is nothing like ‘001’ in party politics. You register in your ward, and your local government is in your ward. Everybody registers in his ward. You could be the first to register, but it does not mean that by becoming governor, you automatically become leader of the party." The diverging statements from Wike and the APC national chairman highlight a complex and contested political landscape in Rivers State, with conflicting claims of leadership and influence.