The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, at his residence in Abuja as political tension continued to grow in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although details of the meeting were not made public, the visit came at a time when fresh political disputes were unfolding within the APC in Rivers State. The development followed the disqualification of several aspirants linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the screening process for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
The screening outcome has added a new twist to the political struggle between Fubara and Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State before becoming FCT minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Several loyalists of the governor reportedly failed to scale through the screening exercise conducted by the party committee, raising concerns among supporters of the governor about their future within the APC.
The situation has also led to growing speculation that Fubara himself could face obstacles if he seeks re-election on the platform of the ruling party in 2027.
Political observers believe the latest developments may deepen divisions between supporters of the governor and allies of Wike within the state’s political structure.
Wike, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has continued to maintain close ties with the APC-led Federal Government since joining Tinubu’s cabinet as FCT minister. His influence in Rivers politics has remained strong even after leaving office as governor.
The crisis in Rivers State has continued to attract national attention following months of political disagreements between both camps over control of party structures and political appointments.
The recent screening exercise for House of Assembly aspirants has now added another layer to the ongoing battle for political dominance in the state ahead of the next general elections.