POLITICS
APC National Secretary Confirms Strategic Engagement of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in High-Level Efforts to Resolve Rivers State Political Crisis, Describes State as Critical to President Tinubu’s Political Stability and National Agenda
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has disclosed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is currently being strategically engaged in ongoing efforts to bring an end to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
Basiru made this revelation on Thursday during an interview on TVC News, where he openly acknowledged the influential role of the former Rivers State governor within Nigeria’s political landscape and the present administration.
According to the APC scribe, Wike remains a critical stakeholder in the political architecture surrounding the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, despite not being a card-carrying member of the ruling party. He explained that Wike’s political weight, grassroots influence, and deep-rooted connection to Rivers State make his involvement indispensable in the quest for lasting peace and stability in the oil-rich state.
Basiru stressed that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the political calculations of the current administration, noting that developments in the state have direct implications for the overall success of President Tinubu’s governance and political consolidation.
He said Wike is being engaged to find a solution to the crisis because Rivers State is critical to the success of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike is an avowed supporter of President Tinubu, even though he is not in the APC. As someone who is interested in the success of President Bola Tinubu, Rivers State is critical for that success.
“He is being engaged to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State,” he said.
The crisis in Rivers State has remained a major source of national concern, as it involves a prolonged political standoff between Minister Nyesom Wike and his estranged political godson, the incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. The rift, which centers on control of the state’s political structure and governance direction, has led to intense political tension, divisions within the state legislature, and repeated attempts at reconciliation.
Political analysts believe that the decision to involve Wike more deliberately in peace-building efforts underscores the federal government’s recognition that durable stability in Rivers State cannot be achieved without engaging key power brokers who command significant loyalty and influence.
Basiru’s comments also suggest a broader strategy by the APC-led federal government to prioritize political stability in strategic states, especially those with strong economic and electoral significance.
As expectations rise, many stakeholders within and outside Rivers State are hopeful that sustained dialogue, compromise, and strategic engagement will eventually produce a political settlement that restores harmony and allows the state to refocus on governance, development, and service deli
very for its people.