The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a sharp warning to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, emphasizing that political positions, including governorship tickets, must be earned and are not automatic. The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a visit to Khana, Bori in Khana Local Government Area on Tuesday, Wike cautioned residents against repeating past leadership mistakes. While he did not mention Fubara by name, observers widely interpreted the comments as directed at the governor.
“As for the state, we will talk about that later. We will not make a mistake again. If you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out. Your ticket is not automatic. You have to earn it for you to present to your people,” Wike said.
Wike praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting Rivers communities, highlighting infrastructure projects, the approval of the Federal University of Environment, and the presidential pardon for the Ogoni Nine. He reiterated that voters should prioritize development over party affiliation, stating, “For us, there’s nothing like APC or PDP; what we have is Renewed Hope. We’re not voting based on party but on the fact that we belong to one political family.”
The influence of Wike in Rivers politics was reinforced by Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman of the APC (South South), who declared Gokana Local Government a “no-go area” for Fubara. Former Senator Magnus Abe and Gokana Local Government Chairman Confidence Deko also pledged support for Wike and Tinubu-backed initiatives.
Wike concluded by emphasizing unity and collaboration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, promising that Rivers residents will continue to benefit from good governance: “The unity of the people ensures that good things will continue to come. We will keep working together to move Rivers State forward.”
