Isaac Fayose has reacted sharply to Nyesom Wike’s growing political moves in Rivers State, warning that Rivers politics won’t bow to APC’s national agenda.

In a recent Facebook post, Fayose said, “Wike is saying even if Mr. President endorses all APC governors for a second term, it will never apply in Rivers State.”

Fayose described Rivers as a unique battleground where loyalty and unresolved conflicts make it immune to such endorsements. Despite Wike’s federal ministerial role, his active involvement in state politics is stirring tension.

Fayose cautioned that while Wike seeks to stay relevant, overplaying his hand could backfire.

As political drama heats up, Nigerians are watching closely to see if Wike’s moves will cement his influence or lead to decline.

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reportedly held a secret meeting with his political godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid moves to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Daily Nigerian, the closed-door meeting took place late Tuesday night at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence in Kano.

Sources said Yusuf arrived around midnight in a private vehicle, accompanied by a political intermediary identified as Sarkin Gobir, and the meeting reportedly lasted for over an hour.

Multiple sources disclosed that the governor’s visit was aimed at making a final attempt to persuade Kwankwaso to join him in the APC, allegedly at the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, indications suggest that the effort was unsuccessful, as Kwankwaso remained firm in his position.

A day after the meeting, Kwankwaso appeared to publicly dismiss the overtures while addressing supporters at his residence.

“First, we know that betrayal is not good. Everybody knows how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, especially with regards to insecurity and the economy,” he said.

“People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he added.

Sources said Yusuf’s defection plan has encountered stiff resistance at the grassroots level, despite growing defections by NNPP lawmakers at both state and federal levels, as well as some local government chairmen.

According to insiders, the majority of NNPP supporters in Kano have remained loyal to Kwankwaso, triggering concern among APC power brokers.

“APC leaders are keenly observing what is happening in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya supporters have made a bold statement that they are with Kwankwaso,” a source said.

“If Abba joins APC, Kwankwaso’s candidate may likely benefit from sympathy votes,” the source added.

Following the Kano meeting, Yusuf reportedly travelled to France on Friday to meet President Tinubu, where he is expected to brief him on the outcome of his discussion with Kwankwaso and outline the next political steps.

Sources said the President remains keen on having Kwankwaso join the APC, prompting continued last-minute pressure.

“The people’s reaction in Kano is the reason for the renewed push to convince Kwankwaso,” an insider told Daily Nigerian.

Meanwhile, top APC figures in Kano, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, have returned to Nigeria after end-of-year holidays and Umrah.

Other party heavyweights, including Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo, are also back in the country ahead of the expected political realignment.

Sources said Governor Yusuf is expected to announce his defection after concluding consultations with APC leaders.

Minister Nyesom Wike defends his position amidst calls for removal from office Wike emphasizes that only President Tinubu can decide his fate Former governor boasts of his contributions to Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has dismissed calls for his removal from office. Wike said that such decisions rest solely with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Rivers State governor stressed that the power to sack him lies solely with the President. From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. As reported by The Punch, Wike stated this on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor.

Wike addressed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths in the area. “Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT.”

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, described Wike as a major asset to the council, the state, and the nation. “When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty.”

Recall that President Tinubu reportedly intervened in the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike amidst rising tensions. Tinubu and Wike are set to meet abroad to discuss the ongoing Rivers state crisis and potential impeachment.

Wike’s ally denied involvement in the impeachment plot, claiming Rivers’ lawmakers are driving the actions against Governor Fubara.

Dailyvoice.ng earlier reported that President Tinubu was urged to immediately remove Wike as the minister of the FCT to ensure stability returns to Rivers state. NADECO, a pro-democracy group, made the call, citing the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.