As the political drama in Rivers State escalates, an APC chieftain sounds the alarm, warning that Nyesom Wike’s actions could destabilize the ruling party just as he did with the PDP.
The Warning: Wike Could ‘Scatter’ APC
Adamu Garba, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised a red flag over the political maneuvers of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Garba warned that if Wike is allowed to continue his “overreach” in Rivers State, he could destabilize the APC just as he did to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 elections.
In a candid post on his Facebook page, Garba urged Wike to exercise restraint, emphasizing the need for wisdom and caution in handling the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. “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.
The Rivers State Crisis: A Political Tug-of-War
The political feud between Wike and Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has been a source of tension since Fubara assumed office in 2023. The crisis has deeply divided the Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers initially claiming to defect to the APC—a move they later denied.
This led to the emergence of a parallel Assembly, with Victor Oko-Jumbo declaring himself Speaker. However, the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of reinstating the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly, further complicating the political landscape.
On Monday, the reinstated Assembly initiated an impeachment process against Governor Fubara, citing allegations of gross misconduct. This move has sparked fresh concerns about the stability of the state’s governance and the broader implications for the APC.
Garba’s Concerns: Timing and Restraint
Adamu Garba’s warning comes at a critical juncture, as the APC grapples with internal and external challenges. He stressed that the timing of the impeachment move against Fubara is particularly poor, given the current political climate.
“Amid the current situation, the timing is very poor,” Garba noted. “There is wisdom in exercising restraint even when you appear more powerful.”
His comments reflect growing unease within the APC about Wike’s influence and the potential fallout from the Rivers State crisis. Garba’s warning suggests that Wike’s aggressive political tactics could backfire, creating divisions within the APC and weakening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike’s Political Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword
Nyesom Wike is no stranger to political controversy. As a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the PDP, Wike played a pivotal role in the party’s internal conflicts, which ultimately contributed to its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. His defection to the APC and subsequent appointment as FCT Minister marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, Wike’s combative style and penchant for political brinkmanship have raised concerns about his impact on the APC’s unity. Garba’s warning underscores the fear that Wike’s actions in Rivers State could replicate the chaos he allegedly sowed in the PDP, jeopardizing the APC’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for 2027
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political future. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC’s ability to maintain internal stability and present a united front will be critical to its success.
Garba’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the APC leadership to address the growing tensions within the party and prevent the Rivers State crisis from spiraling out of control. The party must strike a delicate balance between asserting its influence and avoiding actions that could alienate key stakeholders or destabilize its ranks.
Read also: “Wike Sets Conditions for Peace in Rivers State: Budget Re-Presentation and Commissioner List”
A Call for Caution
Adamu Garba’s stark warning highlights the high stakes of the political drama unfolding in Rivers State. As Nyesom Wike continues to wield significant influence, the APC must tread carefully to avoid the pitfalls that befell the PDP.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the APC can navigate these challenges and maintain its dominance in Nigerian politics—or whether Wike’s political maneuvers will indeed “scatter” the party as Garba fears.
