Rivers Political Rift Deepens as Wike, Allies Withdraw Support for Fubara’s Second-Term Ambition
The political crisis in Rivers State took a sharper turn on Monday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his political allies openly declared that they would not support Governor Siminalayi Fubara should he seek a second term in office. The declaration has added new momentum to the ongoing power struggle between the former governor and his successor, a feud that has continued to dominate political discourse in the state since the 2023 general elections.
Wike made the remarks during separate meetings with his supporters and political associates in Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas. Speaking with confidence, the former Rivers governor asserted that he and his political structure retain the strength and grassroots machinery required to determine electoral outcomes in the state. He reminded his audience that his political camp played a decisive role in backing President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, insisting that this support contributed significantly to Tinubu’s performance in Rivers State.
Beyond the presidential contest, Wike noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories across multiple levels in the state during the same election cycle, including seats in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and the governorship. According to him, these outcomes serve as evidence of his enduring political influence and his ability to mobilise voters effectively.
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Addressing supporters in Omuma Local Government Area, Wike urged them to follow the direction of Kelechi Nwogu, the member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. “Listen to Kelechi. Whatever he tells you, that is where I am,” Wike said, reinforcing the message of unity within his camp.
Nwogu, in his own remarks, was more direct. He categorically stated that Omuma people would not support Governor Fubara if he decides to run for a second term in 2027. He advised Wike to remain calm regarding the next general elections, assuring him of their loyalty and alignment. In a pointed statement, Nwogu criticised what he described as political ingratitude, warning against the dangers of attempting to outgrow one’s political benefactor.
“The worst person you can follow in life is an ungrateful person,” Nwogu said, adding that he would never place himself above his political leader. He further described the unfolding situation as unfortunate, suggesting that the quest for power was driving unnecessary confrontation within the state’s political family.
On the issue of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nwogu argued that party switching was not the core concern. Instead, he questioned the real political value and electoral relevance of individuals who had recently defected and publicly declared support for President Tinubu. He assured both Wike and the President that Omuma remained firmly behind them.
Wike also visited Etche Local Government Area, where he reiterated that active political engagement would formally begin in January, signalling that preparations for future contests were already underway.
The statements triggered widespread reactions among political observers and members of the public, with opinions sharply divided. While supporters of Governor Fubara dismissed Wike’s comments as evidence of political anxiety and waning influence, Wike’s loyalists maintained that the former governor still commands significant grassroots support. Some critics accused Wike of attempting to exert excessive control over Rivers politics despite his current role as a federal minister, while others argued that the unfolding rivalry reflects deeper structural problems within party politics in the state.
As Rivers State moves closer to the 2027 election cycle, the rift between Wike and Fubara continues to widen, raising questions about party unity, voter alignment, and the balance of power within one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states. For now, the contest appears far from settled, with both camps preparing for what many observers expect to be a fiercely contested political battle.