APC chieftain warns Wike could destabilize APC ahead of 2027 elections

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, cautioning that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, could destabilize the ruling party just as he allegedly did to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2023 elections.

Garba, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, urged the APC to tread carefully, particularly in managing Wike’s ongoing conflict with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

He stressed that if Wike continues what he termed an “overreach”, the APC could face internal disintegration before the 2027 general elections.

“If we allow Wike to continue his overreach on Fubara in Rivers, he’ll scatter us before 2027 as he scattered the PDP before 2023,” Garba wrote.

“Amid the current situation, the timing is very poor. There is wisdom in exercising restraint even when you appear more powerful.”

The rift between Wike and Fubara has been brewing since Fubara assumed office in 2023.

Despite being Wike’s handpicked successor, the governor has sought to assert his independence, leading to a major political power struggle that has thrown Rivers State’s political landscape into turmoil.

READ ALSO: Pro-Wike lawmakers boycott meeting with Fubara amid political standoff

The crisis escalated into the Rivers State House of Assembly, where 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike initially announced their defection to the APC.

However, they later retracted their claims, creating confusion over their party allegiance. This situation led to a parallel Assembly, with Victor Oko-Jumbo emerging as a rival Speaker.

The Supreme Court eventually intervened, ordering the reinstatement of Martins Amaewhule as Speaker, further solidifying Wike’s influence over the legislature.

On Monday, March 18, the reinstated Assembly initiated an impeachment process against Governor Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct. The move further deepened the already volatile situation in the state.

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Garba’s concerns stem from Wike’s previous role in the PDP, where he led a factional rebellion against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 elections.

Many analysts believe Wike’s defection to the APC significantly weakened the PDP, leading to its defeat at the polls.

Now, Garba fears history could repeat itself within the APC, urging party stakeholders to rein in Wike’s influence before it is too late.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, political observers say APC’s ability to manage internal conflicts, particularly the Wike-Fubara crisis, could determine its fate at the polls.

For now, the battle for control in Rivers State rages on, with Wike’s next moves likely to shape the future of both Rivers politics and the APC itself.