In an escalation of the ongoing political strife in Rivers State, the rivalry between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, reached a new peak with the bombing of the Action Peoples Party (APP) headquarters located in the GRA area of Port Harcourt on the early morning of August 12.
Insiders suggest that this violent incident is tied to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, with speculation swirling around Governor Fubara’s potential shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APP.
Political analyst Amadi Nyebuchi commented, “The current turmoil seems to revolve around who will dominate local governance ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike aims to install his own chairpersons, which is crucial given the newfound autonomy granted to them.”
Nyebuchi continued, “While Fubara enjoys popular support, Wike has the advantage of federal influence. However, it remains unclear if that support will be decisive. Should Fubara transition to a different party, he might regain his footing, as he appears to be marginalized within the PDP.”
Wike, who serves as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and remains nominally with the PDP while also aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), is accused of manipulating the party’s framework in Rivers State to secure an advantage in the local elections, prompting Fubara to contemplate switching allegiances to the APP.
Uche Nnadi, the National Chairman of the APP, addressed reporters in Port Harcourt following the bombing incident, confirming its direct connection to the looming local government elections. He expressed the party’s determination to make a significant impact.
Describing the bombing as an act of treason and terrorism by “criminal elements,” Nnadi noted that the attack occurred shortly after party members had concluded a meeting late Sunday night, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
“This is a tragic day for democracy. We categorically condemn the bombing of our Rivers State chapter’s office. This act is nothing short of terrorism and treason,” he stated.
Nnadi linked the incident to the prolonged political crisis in Rivers, asserting, “We all know this is about controlling the state’s treasury. This is not the first instance of such terrorism in our region.”
Amidst rampant speculation about Fubara’s departure from the PDP, fueled by Wike’s alleged takeover of the party’s machinery, the governor recently voiced his discontent with the PDP’s role in the state’s political turmoil. During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialization in June, he declared that Rivers State would no longer be constrained by party politics but would assert its own identity to uphold democracy.
“In Rivers State, we are moving beyond party loyalty. We are creating a movement, so don’t be surprised if my alignment with the party wanes. The party has let us down,” Fubara expressed, emphasizing the need for the state to stand firm in defense of its democratic principles.
