Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has openly declared a political split with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
Speaking to his supporters over the weekend in Ahoada Local Government Area, Wike said he would personally choose and support a successor to Governor Fubara, one he can trust to protect his political interests.
The former Rivers governor explained that he would not repeat what he described as the mistakes made during the 2023 elections, noting that past agreements with Fubara were allegedly breached, making further political collaboration impossible.
“We will not make the mistake we made in 2023,” Wike said, stressing that no individual would dictate political decisions to him in Rivers State.
Wike also dismissed the idea that political slogans, street rallies, or public displays of loyalty would automatically guarantee anyone a party ticket, insisting that such actions carry no electoral weight.
Insightlinks reported that Governor Fubara recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Wike clarified that his open support for President Bola Tinubu does not mean automatic backing for Fubara’s re-election bid.
While reaffirming his support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, Wike cited what he described as the president’s goodwill towards Rivers State, including his appointment as FCT minister.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that trust and personal interest would remain the guiding principles for political decisions in Rivers State.
“You can shout ‘on your mandate’ 50 times a day, it will not give you an automatic ticket. Bring everybody to shout it, that still doesn’t guarantee anything,” he said.
“Politics is about interest. I will support a candidate I can rely on and sleep with my eyes closed.”
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