Fubara and Wike Are Fighting for Survival — APC Chieftain Emeka Bekee
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has reached a fever pitch as prominent stakeholders weigh in on the relentless power struggle between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former state chairman, Chief Emeka Bekee, provided a stinging assessment of the situation. According to Bekee, the conflict has transcended mere political disagreement and has evolved into a desperate “fight for survival” for both men.
As the state remains polarized, Bekee’s insights offer a rare glimpse into how the opposition views the internal implosion of the ruling structure in the “Treasure Base of the Nation.”
The Survival Theory: Two Titans at a Crossroads
Emeka Bekee’s analysis suggests that neither Wike nor Fubara can afford to lose this battle, as the consequences would mean political oblivion. The feud, which has paralyzed certain aspects of governance in Rivers, is being viewed as a zero-sum game.
- Wike’s Legacy vs. Relevance: For Nyesom Wike, maintaining control of the Rivers political structure is essential for his continued relevance in the national APC-led government. Bekee argues that Wike is fighting to prove he remains the undisputed “Kingmaker” of the South-South.
- Fubara’s Autonomy: For Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the fight is about the survival of his administration and his dignity as an executive governor. He is battling to shed the “puppet” label and establish an independent legacy.
- The Collateral Damage: Bekee pointed out that while these two figures fight for their lives, the state’s development and the APC’s local strength are being systematically eroded.
Breakdown of the “Survival Battle” Dynamics
To help political analysts and Rivers residents understand the stakes, we have categorized the core elements of this struggle based on Emeka Bekee’s latest observations.
| Battle Front | Nyesom Wike’s Stake | Siminalayi Fubara’s Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Political Structure | Control Maintaining loyalty of the 27 Lawmakers and GDI elders. | Building a new grassroots “People’s Mandate” independent of a godfather. |
| Institutional Power | Federal Leveraging his strategic position as FCT Minister in Abuja. | Seeking protection through the Judiciary and constitutional executive immunity. |
| 2027 Strategy | Alliance Delivering Rivers to the APC central to cement his national status. | Securing a path to a second term by aligning with the Rivers masses. |
| Public Legacy | Dominance Preserving his image as the “Strongman” of Rivers politics. | Shedding the “Puppet” label to establish an independent governing identity. |
The APC Perspective: A House Divided
Chief Emeka Bekee did not spare his own party, the APC, in his critique. He noted that the influx of Wike’s supporters into the APC has created a “party within a party,” leading to confusion among the original members.
- Factionalism: The Rivers APC is currently split between those loyal to the original progressive ideals and those who have aligned with the “Wike Structure” for immediate political gain.
- Leadership Void: Bekee lamented that the focus on the Wike-Fubara feud has diverted attention from building a formidable opposition that could actually address the needs of Rivers people.
- The Judiciary’s Role: With several cases pending in court, Bekee warned that “survival” might eventually be decided by a gavel, rather than a ballot box, which poses a risk to democratic stability.
Fubara’s Growing Confidence
Despite the pressure from Abuja and the state assembly, Governor Fubara has shown remarkable resilience. Bekee acknowledged that the Governor’s ability to stay afloat despite the onslaught suggests a hidden depth of support within the civil service and traditional institutions. However, Bekee warned that “surviving” is different from “governing,” and the constant distractions are preventing the state from reaching its full economic potential.
Conclusion: Who Will Blink First?
The assessment by Chief Emeka Bekee paints a grim picture of a state held hostage by the survival instincts of two powerful men. As 2026 progresses, the political machinery of Rivers State remains in a state of flux. Whether Wike consolidates his grip or Fubara successfully carves out his independence remains the biggest question in Nigerian politics today. One thing is certain: in this fight for survival, the ultimate winner or loser will be the people of Rivers State.
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