I’ll select candidate who’ll protect my interests, not betray me – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially indicated a permanent political rift with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, signaling a major shift ahead of the 2027 elections. Addressing a crowd of supporters over the weekend in Ahoada Local Government Area, Wike declared that he would personally seek out and support a candidate he can fully trust to succeed the current governor. He emphasized a desire to move in a different direction, stressing that he would not repeat what he described as the mistakes of the 2023 election cycle regarding political alliances and endorsements.

The former governor attributed this fallout to a breakdown in communication and the alleged violation of prior agreements by Governor Fubara, making any future cooperation impossible. Wike was firm in his stance that his political influence in Rivers State remains independent and resolute. He told the gathering, “We will not make the mistake we made in 2023,” while making it clear that no individual would be allowed to dictate political decisions to him. He dismissed the idea that the governor’s current momentum would secure his future, noting that political slogans alone do not guarantee an electoral ticket.

The political landscape in the state has shifted significantly following reports that Governor Fubara recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Wike clarified that his own highly publicized support for President Bola Tinubu does not mean he is obligated to back Fubara’s re-election bid, even if they now share some common ground regarding the presidency. He expressed that while he remains loyal to the president, the local political dynamics in Rivers State are governed by different rules of engagement and personal reliability.  

Wike took the opportunity to reiterate his unwavering commitment to President Tinubu, arguing that the president deserves a second term based on his goodwill toward Rivers State, specifically citing his own appointment as FCT Minister. Despite this national alliance, the minister maintained that local decisions would be guided strictly by interest and the ability to find a successor who is dependable. He warned against overconfidence, stating, “So, if you like, shout on your mandate 50 times a day. It will not give you an automatic ticket. If you like, bring everybody, shout on your mandate that is not an automatic ticket.”

Ultimately, the Minister emphasized that his future endorsements would be based on a high level of personal security and political alignment. He underscored that loyalty is the primary currency in his decision-making process for 2027. Reaffirming his intent to choose a successor who will not turn against his political structure, he noted that “Politics is about interest,” adding that he would support a candidate he can rely on and “sleep with his eyes closed.”