The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced that he will split from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to supporters in Ahoada Local Government Area over the weekend, Wike said he would personally back a candidate he trusts to succeed Fubara, emphasizing the need to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Wike claimed that previous agreements with Governor Fubara had been violated, making further cooperation impossible. He stressed that no individual would dictate political decisions to him in Rivers State and that he would not repeat the errors of the 2023 election. He also dismissed the idea that recent political slogans and rallies would automatically secure an electoral ticket for any aspirant, noting that “politics is about interest.”
The announcement follows Governor Fubara’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Wike reiterated his public support for President Bola Tinubu—citing the president’s goodwill toward Rivers State, including his own appointment as FCT minister—he clarified that this does not automatically translate into backing for Fubara’s re‑election bid. Wike said his political decisions in Rivers State will be guided by trust and interests, and he pledged to support a candidate he can rely on, someone with whom he can “sleep with his eyes closed.”
Wike’s declaration could significantly impact the political landscape of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections. With his considerable influence in the state, his decision to back a different candidate may shape the election’s outcome. As the political scene continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Governor Fubara and other stakeholders will respond to Wike’s announcement.
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