BREAKING: Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Wike Over Fubara Row.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
January 8, 2026.
Abuja—Political tensions within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified on Tuesday as the Karamchi Online Journalists Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over an alleged escalating rift with Rivers State Governor, Siminialaye Fubara.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja, the forum accused Wike of persistently disrespecting and intimidating Governor Fubara, whom it described as a “full-fledged and loyal member” of the APC. The group warned that the ongoing feud, if left unchecked, could undermine party cohesion, democratic governance, and national unity.
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The statement, signed by the forum’s national chairman, Sani Ahmad Zangina, described Wike’s conduct as “unfair, unbecoming, and politically dangerous,” especially given his position as a senior member of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
“It is unacceptable for a non-member of the APC to ridicule, harass, or attempt to politically emasculate a sitting governor of the ruling party,” Zangina said. “For the sake of national unity and the progress of the APC, Barrister Nyesom Wike should be compelled—if not outrightly sacked—to accord Governor Siminialaye Fubara the respect due to his office and his standing within the party.”
The forum’s reaction follows recent remarks attributed to Wike in which he reportedly suggested that Governor Fubara had no automatic guarantee of securing the APC ticket for the 2027 governorship election. According to the journalists’ group, such comments amount to political intimidation and an attempt to destabilize the Rivers State government.
“These utterances go beyond political banter; they are calculated to undermine an elected governor and sow discord within the ruling party,” the statement read.
The group also employed a striking metaphor to emphasize its position, arguing that the presidency “cannot afford to lose a biological son in favour of an adopted one.” By this, the forum suggested that Fubara, as a loyal APC governor, deserves protection and support rather than hostility from influential figures perceived as external to the party’s core.
The Karamchi Online Journalists Forum urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively, warning that failure to act could embolden the abuse of power and weaken internal democracy within the APC.
“In the interest of safeguarding democracy, party unity, peace, and national cohesion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should immediately halt all actions that undermine democratic governance or relieve Barrister Wike of his position without delay,” the statement said.
The group further described Wike as functioning like an opposition figure despite his ministerial role, accusing him of using political coercion and inflammatory rhetoric against Governor Fubara.
“No individual, regardless of his political weight or past contributions, should be allowed to weaponize state power against citizens or political opponents,” the forum added.
Political analysts say the controversy highlights deeper fault lines within Nigeria’s ruling party, particularly as jockeying for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections intensifies. Rivers State, a strategic political and economic hub, is widely regarded as a battleground whose stability is crucial to the APC’s national calculations.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the FCT Minister had issued an official response to the forum’s demands. Governor Fubara’s camp has also remained silent, though close associates say the governor remains focused on governance and development in Rivers State.
With pressure mounting from civil society groups and political stakeholders, observers say President Tinubu’s response—or lack thereof—could signal how his administration intends to manage internal party conflicts and enforce discipline within its ranks as Nigeria moves deeper into the current political cycle.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 9TH 2026)
