NEWS
Wike Draws Battle Lines for 2027 Rivers Governorship: Rules Out Supporting Fubara, Warns Opportunistic Politicians, and Calls Out “Mistakes” of 2023
The political landscape of Rivers State is bracing for a major showdown as former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, delivered a forceful declaration that may reshape the 2027 governorship contest.
In a pre-convention meeting held at his Abuja residence with select Rivers APC delegates, Wike issued an unambiguous warning: he will not back his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for a second term. Speaking in his signature combative style, the minister framed his decision as a lesson learned from what he described as the “mistake” of 2023, when he had supported Fubara’s rise to power.
“No amount of blackmail, no amount of intimidation will make me repeat the same mistake I made before.
“If anybody is bringing money to you, it is your business. I don’t know how long I will live on this earth, but I will not make that mistake again,” Wike said emphatically.
The minister, who has publicly expressed regret over his role in Fubara’s emergence, attributed the current political instability in Rivers State to “betrayal and ingratitude,” noting that his once-close political allies had fallen out, leaving the state mired in factional battles and institutional tensions.
Wike also took aim at politicians allegedly leveraging his name to advance their governorship ambitions ahead of 2027, cautioning them against entangling him in their plans.
“Don’t go and entangle yourself with anybody saying he wants to run for governorship. Some people are parading themselves, forming groups – Ijaw groups, Ogoni groups, Ikwerre groups, using my name. Continue to group yourselves, but I see all of you and I’m marking you,” he warned.
The minister further urged members of his political family to remain vigilant, protect their resources, and avoid being misled by opportunists.
“My fight is not an easy one. I don’t need to win, but I will make sure that before you come out, there is no remedy. So be careful. Hold your money and pray for God to choose you,” he advised.
Turning to the issue of online campaigns targeting him, Wike dismissed any attempts to intimidate him, asserting that political opposition only strengthens his resolve.
“If you want to fight me, it is okay. Without a fight, I can’t survive. But I want somebody who, when he leaves office, will still appreciate those who helped him, not someone who will bring in new people to fight us,” he said.
He also praised members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for their loyalty and resilience, highlighting their willingness to endure hardship, including going without salaries, rather than compromise their political convictions.
In the wake of Wike’s remarks, Bomah Iyaye moved to clarify his position amid rumors linking him to the minister’s endorsement for the governorship. In a statement, Iyaye described reports suggesting he had declared interest or received Wike’s backing as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media suggesting that I have declared an ambition for the office of Governor of Rivers State and have been endorsed by the Honourable Minister.
“These reports are not true and do not reflect my position. I remain fully committed to my duties as Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, working with stakeholders to advance sustainable development in the Niger Delta,” Iyaye said.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to hover over Governor Fubara’s political intentions. His silence on the possibility of seeking re-election has sparked speculation that he may be reconsidering a second term.
However, a source close to the governor dismissed such claims, affirming that Fubara remains a significant political force in the state and retains substantial goodwill within the APC’s national leadership. The aide added that the governor is still being considered a viable candidate to fly the party’s flag in 2027, despite the ongoing rift with his predecessor.
With Wike’s decisive intervention, the stage is now set for a high-stakes political contest in Rivers State, signaling that the 2027 governorship race may be one of the most fiercely contested chapters in the state’s political history.