Abuja – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met with All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe at the latter’s Abuja residence on Tuesday. While the precise agenda of the encounter was not disclosed, the timing coincides with escalating tensions between the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Wike.
Recent reports indicate that a screening committee disqualified several candidates aligned with Governor Fubara from contesting the Rivers State House of Assembly. The decision has intensified the political rivalry that has resurfaced following Fubara’s emergence as a key figure within the APC in the state. Observers note that the move could foreshadow further challenges for Fubara, including the possibility that his own bid for re‑election under the APC banner may face obstacles.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a current member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, has publicly stated that he does not support Fubara’s return to power. The minister’s visit to the APC chairman therefore arrives at a moment when inter‑party negotiations and intra‑state power struggles appear to be intensifying.
The developments underscore a broader re‑alignment within Rivers State politics, where former allies are now positioned on opposite sides of the partisan divide. As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders will be watching closely for any formal statements from the minister, the APC leadership, or the governor’s office that could clarify the implications of the recent disqualifications.
The next steps are likely to involve further consultations between the federal minister and party officials, as well as possible legal challenges from the disqualified aspirants. These actions will shape the upcoming electoral contests in Rivers State and could influence the balance of power between the PDP and APC at both state and federal levels.
