By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to distance itself from the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, saying the party bears no responsibility for the rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The APC’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, told reporters that the dispute is an internal matter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that Wike remains a PDP member despite his role in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
“This is not within my responsibility as APC chairman,” Yilwatda said. “Wike belongs to the PDP, and whatever issues arise there are for the PDP leadership to resolve.”
He also dismissed suggestions that the former Rivers governor poses any political threat to the ruling party in the oil-rich state.
“Wike is not a problem to the APC in Rivers,” Yilwatda added, downplaying speculation that the crisis could spill over into APC affairs.
Rivers State has been gripped by political turmoil for months, fuelled by a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, a once-close ally whose influence in the state remains significant.
The feud has led to legislative standoffs, party divisions and heightened security concerns, drawing national attention and raising questions about governance in one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
While federal authorities have repeatedly called for calm, efforts at reconciliation have so far failed to produce a lasting resolution, leaving residents and political observers watching closely as tensions continue to simmer.
