Wike Versus Fubara: Ex-Governor Officially Dumps Protégé, Pledges Support For ‘Trusted’ Successor
By Yahaya Idris
Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has formally announced a complete political break with Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, who spoke at the weekend during a meeting with his loyalists in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State, declared that he would no longer work in tandem with Governor Fubara in the political configuration of the state.
“Wike’s Dire Warning: Fubara’s Re-Election Will Bury Us Politically
The former governor stated that he would instead throw his weight behind a yet-to-be-named candidate whom he personally trusts to take over the reins of power in Rivers after Fubara, insisting that he would not repeat what he described as the “mistakes” of the 2023 electoral cycle.
He accused the governor of reneging on key political understandings that formed the basis of their initial alliance, saying the alleged breach of agreements had made continued collaboration both untenable and unnecessary.
According to Wike, political engagement must be anchored on clear agreements and mutual respect, and once those foundations are eroded, there is no basis for partnership. He that no individual, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed to dictate the political direction of Rivers State to him.
“We will not make the mistake we made in 2023,” Wike told the gathering, maintaining that he would be solely responsible for the choice of his preferred candidate in the next governorship election and would not succumb to pressure from any camp.
The FCT Minister also took a swipe at those who, in his words, believe that slogans, rented crowds and roadside rallies are enough tickets to power, warning that such theatrics do not automatically translate into party nominations
He pledged to work for the president Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, praising Tinubu for what he described as his goodwill and support for Rivers people.
He, however, clarified that his support for Tinubu and his acceptance of the FCT Ministerial portfolio should not be interpreted as an automatic endorsement of Governor Fubara’s second-term bid, stressing that each political decision in Rivers would be taken on its own merit.
