The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he and his political supporters possess the structure and influence to determine electoral outcomes in Rivers State.
Boosting his political influence, Wike said his political base played a key role in the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state during the 2023 general election.
He also noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured the governorship and all legislative seats at both the state and national levels in the same polls.
The minister who spoke on Monday during meetings with his supporters and political allies in Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas of the state said the outcome of the 2023 elections clearly showed the capacity of his political family to mobilise voters and deliver victories at the polls.
Omuma Lawmakers Reject Fubara’s Second-term Bid
Addressing supporters in Omuma Local Government Area, Wike urged them to take political direction from the member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Kelechi Nwogu.
READ ALSO: Rivers LG Election: Legality, Controversy and the Politics of Power
“Listen to Kelechi. Whatever he tells you, that is where I stand,” Wike said.
In his remarks, Nwogu, who was earlier addressed as Kelechi by Wike, declared that the people of Omuma would not support Governor Siminalayi Fubara if he seeks a second term in 2027.
He assured Wike that there was no cause for concern ahead of the next general election.
“If the sitting governor is contesting, Omuma will not support him,” Nwogu said, adding that Wike should “go home and sleep” regarding the 2027 polls.
READ ALSO: 17 Rivers Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC Amid Rift With Fubara
The lawmaker criticised what he described as political ingratitude, warning against supporting leaders who turn against those who helped them rise to power.
He further questioned the political weight of individuals defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declaring support for President Tinubu, insisting that Omuma people remain loyal to Wike and the President.
READ ALSO: Fubara Finally Bows to Pressure, Dumps PDP for APC
Wike also visited Etche Local Government Area, where he addressed supporters and indicated that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections would formally commence in January.
Pinnacle Daily recalls that Governor Fubara had earlier defected to the APC, insisting that it was in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: I Suffered Too Much for Keeping Silent — Fubara
In a bid to further secure President Tinubu’s support, he visited President Tinubu in Abuja to stamp his alignment with the Ruling Party.
Gov. Fubara had alleged that he had suffered a lot because he chose to remain silent amid the ongoing rift with Wike and his supporters.
He also said the Rivers State Assembly leader had refused to interact with him after his resumption from the emergency rule that took him away from office for six months.
The rift between Gov. Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, had been ongoing, with Wike accusing Fubara of ingratitude.
Due to the persistent crisis and unrest by Wike supporters and Gov. Fubara in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu intervened and ordered Gov. Fubara ‘s suspension for six months and also introduced emergency rule during the period he was away.
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.
