APC opens back-channel talks to ease Rivers political crisis

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is pursuing behind-the-scenes negotiations to de-escalate the political dispute in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike Based on reporting by Naija News .

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the party’s approach has focused on private engagement rather than public messaging, arguing that “real politics” often happens away from cameras and press releases.

Basiru’s comments come amid a prolonged standoff in Rivers that has played out through court actions, political brinkmanship, and heightened tensions within the state’s political class. In recent weeks, the dispute has also intersected with internal party calculations as the APC works to consolidate influence in the oil-producing state ahead of the next electoral cycle.

During the interview, Basiru suggested that the public focus on litigation and heated statements can obscure the efforts being made privately to stabilize the situation. He framed the party’s engagement as a deliberate strategy to keep discussions productive and reduce the risk of inflaming tensions.

He also indicated that the APC has been reaching out to both camps, including Wike, whom he described as a key stakeholder given his continued national political relevance and his public alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, even though he remains associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A notable element of Basiru’s remarks was the emphasis on engaging Wike directly as part of the peace process. The APC official signaled that the party’s objective is a political settlement that avoids a winner-takes-all outcome, describing the desired endpoint as one in which there is

That tone is a shift from earlier public friction between Basiru and Wike, which had included sharp exchanges over Rivers politics. Separate reporting in early January highlighted the intensity of that dispute and the broader intra-party pressures surrounding Rivers.