Wike dismisses claims Fubara sidelined, predicts Tinubu will win Rivers in 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly rejected claims that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been marginalized within the current political coalition. Speaking during a monthly media engagement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wike asserted that the governor remains fully integrated into critical decision-making processes. He highlighted the governor’s public endorsement of the coalition’s candidate for the upcoming Rivers State governorship election as evidence of his active participation, questioning the logic of suggesting exclusion when the governor has openly supported the party’s slate.

In the same address, Wike addressed the political future of Governor Fubara, emphasizing that the governor is young and that political service is not limited to continuous holding of office. Wike described political life as dynamic, suggesting that current positions do not preclude future opportunities. He stated that as long as an individual is alive, there remains hope for political relevance, a remark aimed at countering narratives that Fubara’s career prospects are diminished by recent developments.

Background

These remarks come amid documented tensions between Wike and the political circle surrounding Governor Fubara in Rivers State. Wike, who previously served as the governor of Rivers State, currently holds the portfolio for the FCT under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The political landscape in Rivers State is currently shaped by the mobilization of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections. Wike has been actively campaigning across the state, urging residents to support the APC at all levels, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative seats. He specifically endorsed Kingsley Chinda as the APC’s governorship candidate, while cautioning against supporting candidates from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whom he argued lack the political strength to win major offices.

Wike also addressed the broader national political context, dismissing the capabilities of opposition figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. He argued that these leaders have not offered meaningful alternatives or made significant contributions when previously in positions of authority. Wike expressed confidence that President Tinubu possesses the political strength to defeat any opposition candidate in a potential presidential run-off, challenging observers to identify a viable challenger.

Why it matters

The statements from the FCT Minister are significant for several reasons. First, they address internal party dynamics in Rivers State, a key political stronghold, where unity is crucial for the APC’s electoral success. By affirming Fubara’s inclusion, Wike aims to mitigate potential fracturing within the coalition that could weaken the party’s electoral machine. Second, the comments underscore the administration’s strategy for the 2027 elections, which relies on projecting confidence and dismissing opposition viability. Wike’s assurance that political engagements will not hinder infrastructure development in the FCT also serves to reassure stakeholders of the government’s continued focus on governance despite political activities. The emphasis on realism over emotional attachment to candidates reflects a tactical approach to voter persuasion in competitive areas like Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

What happens next

Wike’s comments set the stage for intensified campaigning ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC is expected to continue mobilizing support across Rivers State, focusing on consolidating its base and countering opposition narratives. The political trajectory of Governor Fubara will likely remain a point of observation as he transitions out of office, with Wike’s remarks suggesting that his influence may persist beyond his gubernatorial tenure. The upcoming elections will test the strength of the APC’s coalition and the accuracy of Wike’s predictions regarding the political landscape in Rivers State.