Indications have emerged that former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with him are weighing a possible move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), amid growing signs that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may not back their political stance in the state.
Sources close to the development said the contemplated defection is driven by the lawmakers’ dwindling political options following the protracted crisis in Rivers State and the apparent reluctance of the APC to openly support their actions against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Despite the speculation, it was gathered that neither Wike nor the 27 lawmakers has formally registered as members of the SDP, suggesting that discussions are still at an exploratory stage. Party insiders say the group is assessing alternative platforms that could offer political leverage should their relationship with the APC continue to cool.
The latest signal of their weakening position came with a recent statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, who publicly affirmed that the Presidency fully supports Governor Fubara. The statement is widely interpreted as a clear endorsement of the Rivers governor amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Political observers believe the Presidency’s stance has significantly altered the power dynamics in Rivers, leaving the Wike-backed lawmakers increasingly isolated at the federal level. The development has also raised questions about the APC’s willingness to accommodate the group, despite earlier assumptions that the ruling party might offer them political cover.
“The message from the Presidency is unambiguous,” a political analyst in Port Harcourt said. “Once the President declares support for Fubara, it becomes difficult for any major party, especially the APC, to take a contrary position without political consequences.”
The 27 lawmakers, who have been at the centre of the Rivers political crisis following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have faced legal and political setbacks, further complicating their standing. Their uncertain status and the lack of firm backing from the APC have reportedly intensified internal consultations on alternative political platforms.
While the SDP has been mentioned as a possible destination, sources cautioned that no final decision has been taken, noting that Wike remains a key power broker whose next move could reshape political alignments not only in Rivers State but also at the national level.
For now, Governor Fubara appears to be consolidating his position, buoyed by presidential backing, while Wike and his allies confront shrinking political space and tough choices ahead as the Rivers crisis enters a new phase.
