Why Nyesom Wike Must Rein In His Political Excesses — And Why APC Won’t Be Intimidated by His Tactics
The simmering crisis in Rivers State politics stands as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political flashpoints in 2025–2026. At the center of this storm is Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, former Governor of Rivers State, and one of the most influential political figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
For years, Wike’s political style has been defined by forceful maneuvering, decisive influence over legislative allies, and an unrelenting appetite for control. However, as the dynamics shift — with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), failed impeachment attempts, and shifting allegiances within Rivers politics — there is growing evidence that Wike’s approach may be running out of political oxygen.
This post explores why Wike needs to tame his political impulses, how the APC is handling the situation, and what this means for Rivers State and the broader Nigerian political landscape.
Wike’s Dominance in PDP — A Double-Edged Sword
Wike rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s most powerful state executives, leveraging his position as Rivers Governor (2015–2023) to build significant political capital. His influence extended into national PDP affairs, where he frequently played kingmaker in leadership contests.
But such political prominence sometimes came with high-stakes gameplay — rifts, factionalism, and power struggles that often left the party internally fractured. His transition to the APC era only adds layers of complexity, especially as his critic, Fubara, now leads the state in a party Wike once opposed.
Instead of consolidating this influence responsibly, Wike’s involvement in efforts to destabilize Fubara’s government and push impeachment motions — actions critics describe as “shenanigans” — suggests political behaviors that might now be consuming him. This behavior is no longer within the familiar context of the PDP; it’s happening in the more rigid political environment of the APC, where internal party discipline and accountability are markedly harsher.
The Rivers State Political Crisis: A Brief Overview
Emergency Rule, Impeachment Attempts, and Political Tension
In early 2025, rising political tension between Governor Fubara and legislators loyal to Wike escalated into serious constitutional conflict. The Rivers State House of Assembly — influenced by Wike’s loyalists — initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy on grounds of alleged gross misconduct.
However, such actions were viewed by many analysts as symptomatic of internal party power games rather than genuinely constitutional grievances. Critics argued that the impeachment move was a tactic to block Fubara from governing independently and secure continued influence for Wike’s faction.
The situation became so tense that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly. This was unprecedented — the highest level of federal intervention short of military rule — and further inflamed debates around democracy, constitutional order, and political power in Nigeria.
Return from Emergency Rule
On September 18, 2025, after six months, the state of emergency was lifted, and Governor Fubara was reinstated, signifying a temporary stabilization of governance in Rivers. Yet, peace was fragile. Impeachment initiatives re-emerged shortly after the emergency rule ended, raising questions about the durability of reconciliation.
Why APC Is Not “Intimidated” by Wike
Contrary to some social media narratives suggesting otherwise, the APC — far from being dominated or overly influenced by Wike — is asserting its political autonomy in Rivers State.
APC Rejects Impeachment Efforts
In early January 2026, the Rivers State chapter of the APC officially rejected impeachment processes being pursued in the State House of Assembly. The party described any efforts to remove Governor Fubara and his deputy as untenable and contrary to democratic stability.
The APC’s position was strategic and constitutional, emphasizing that:
The impeachment was linked to budget issues that did not justify impeachment.
A federally approved budget from May–July 2025 is constitutionally valid until August 2026, meaning there was no legal imperative for a new appropriation that could legitimize impeachment threats.
By pushing back publicly and forcefully, the APC leadership signaled that it will not be bulldozed by factional interests — even from a powerful political actor like Wike.
Internal Discipline and Structural Resilience
Unlike the PDP’s often factional leadership, the APC’s structure in Rivers State is oriented toward party cohesion and strategic governance. Attempts to transpose old PDP internal power tactics into APC politics are unlikely to yield the same results. In several responses, the APC has explicitly cautioned legislators against destabilizing governance in the state and urged them to discontinue the impeachment process to preserve democratic norms and the party’s reputation.
The Limits of Wike’s Influence Outside PDP
Wike’s political leverage thrives in environments where loyalty networks and historical alliances hold sway — as was the case during his tenure in the PDP. But now, with Fubara in the APC and building his own support base, Wike’s influence is being tested.
Defections and Shifting Loyalties
Recent reports show lawmakers switching allegiances to the APC, balancing the state’s political landscape. Although Wike insists he remains in the PDP and commands a loyal following within the party, the structural shifts suggest that his dominance is not absolute.
Furthermore, Wike’s attempt to castigate Fubara’s leadership within the APC has drawn mixed reactions. Analysts — including sections of the party — see Fubara’s governance as demonstrating renewed legitimacy and bolstering the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Social Media Commentary and Public Opinion
The drama unfolding in Rivers has generated wide commentary on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some key public sentiments include:
Debate over whether Fubara can effectively govern Rivers State compared to Wike’s legacy.
Perspectives that Wike’s prominence is tied to his ministerial role — and he may lose influence if he exits that position.
Opinions that the APC’s ascendancy in Rivers is unstoppable, regardless of Wike’s resistance.
While such social commentary is not definitive political analysis, it highlights public interest and engagement with the conflict — signaling its wider impact on Nigerian socio-political discourse.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Rivers Politics
Nyesom Wike’s political journey is at a critical juncture. Once a formidable force reshaping party leadership at will, he now faces a political context that demands adaptation, restraint, and structural respect. Rivers State politics has evolved. It is no longer a PDP internal affair, but a battleground where constitutional order, party structure, and democratic governance are tested daily.
For Wike to maintain relevance and avoid political overreach, he must temper his aggressive tactics, respect institutional boundaries, and recognize that the APC — particularly its Rivers State division — is not susceptible to intimidation or dominance.
If he refuses to do so, he risks not only diminishing his own political legacy but also hastening the very downfall that many commentators now foresee.
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