The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that former Rivers State Governor Wike will be “under” current Governor Siminalayi Fubara if he decides to join the party, emphasizing that leadership positions are linked to current office.

APC Director of Information Bala Ibrahim made the comments in an interview monitored by SaharaReporters on Trust TV. He stated, “He will be given a position. There will be a seat for him. If he decides to join, he will be placed accordingly.”

Asked if Wike could replace Fubara, Ibrahim replied firmly, “No way. He will certainly be under Fubara.” He explained further: “When he was governor, he was followed. Now that he’s not the governor, he must follow. You cannot carry the position of leadership after vacating the seat.”

Reports indicate that Wike’s attempts to undermine Fubara’s 2027 re-election bid have suffered a setback, as several APC governors have rallied behind the incumbent. Sources say the tension between Wike and Fubara escalated after top APC governors endorsed Fubara’s second-term bid, which the FCT minister reportedly opposed.

The party leadership has shown explicit support for Fubara, praising his projects and leadership across Rivers State. According to an APC official, friction began when Wike’s loyalists allegedly tried to back Samuel Anyanwu, former PDP National Secretary, as the next governor of Imo State without consulting APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The official added, “The plan is to weaken the FCT minister in his home state and reduce his influence and political power. This was further compounded by the fact that Wike is reportedly not favoured by some powerful members of the Tinubu administration.”