Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, insisting that such a decision would be taken collectively by political stakeholders.
Wike spoke during his monthly media parley in Abuja, where he also dismissed claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara enjoys widespread support to seek re-election.
“I haven’t endorsed anybody, and I can’t do that until the joint coalition meets,” Wike said.
His comment comes amid speculation that he had thrown his weight behind former state Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, following a closed-door meeting with political allies in Port Harcourt earlier in the week.
Addressing the political situation in the state, Wike maintained that claims of public pressure on Fubara to run again in 2027 were misleading.
“Nobody is begging anyone to contest. Don’t tell me that. You can say that to market women or children,” he said, questioning the narrative that the governor is being urged by the public to seek another term.
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Fubara didn’t keep to His Own Part of the Bargain – Wike
Wike also revisited the recent political crisis in Rivers State, which led to impeachment proceedings against Fubara before the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the President brokered peace among the parties, leading to the withdrawal of the impeachment after agreements were reached.
However, the ex-governor alleged that his successor has not fully complied with the terms of that settlement.
“The President intervened and asked all parties to embrace peace. The governor agreed, and the Assembly withdrew the impeachment. But after that, he started acting smart on what was agreed,” Wike said, stressing that parties involved in arbitration are expected to honour their commitments.
Wike maintained that any decision on a preferred candidate would be taken after consultations with key stakeholders.
“I haven’t endorsed anybody, and I can’t do that until the joint coalition meets,” he said.
Wike’s latest comments suggest that no final position has been taken, as consultations within the state’s political coalition are still ongoing.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.