The Digest:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed it is engaged in high-level, behind-the-scenes negotiations to resolve the protracted political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disclosed that "back-channel" engagements are ongoing, aimed at stabilizing the state without creating a "victor or vanquished." He described politicians as "nocturnal animals," emphasizing that meaningful conflict resolution often occurs discreetly. Basiru acknowledged Wike, though a PDP member, as a key stakeholder and supporter of President Tinubu, whose cooperation is deemed essential for peace and the success of the federal agenda in the strategic state.
Key Points
- The mediation seeks to end a crisis that has paralyzed governance and created uncertainty for millions of residents in Nigeria's economic heartbeat.
- It represents a strategic political investment by the APC to secure stability in a vital state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Governor Fubara gains potential security from impeachment threats, while Wike secures a negotiated political relevance rather than a confrontational loss.
- The covert approach highlights the informal, personality-driven nature of Nigerian political conflict resolution, often prioritized over public institutional processes.
- The timing, as public tensions peaked with impeachment threats, suggests a critical juncture where internal party pressure is being applied to prevent a total breakdown.
The success of these discreet talks will determine whether Rivers State moves toward political reconciliation or remains entrenched in factional conflict.
Sources: TVC News
