The political landscape in Rivers State appears set for renewed intrigue in the coming year, following indications that the lingering crisis and the much-publicised peace deal between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara may be far from fully resolved.
Fresh uncertainty emerged on Saturday when Wike announced that political activities in the state would formally resume from January 2026, a declaration widely interpreted as a signal that the fragile truce between rival political camps could face fresh tests.
The FCT minister made the statement during a briefing with stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. The engagement took place shortly after the annual thanksgiving ceremony of the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche, held in Wike’s hometown of Ochigba community in Ahoada East LGA.
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During the briefing, Wike criticised unnamed individuals whom he accused of benefitting from the sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections, particularly in ensuring the emergence of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, some political actors failed to openly support Tinubu at a time when the political atmosphere was tense and support was risky.
Wike maintained that he and his loyalists stood firmly with Tinubu throughout the electioneering period, even when it was unpopular to do so in Rivers State. He said their consistency and resolve played a critical role in strengthening the President’s mandate in the state.
“In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out to say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said. “But we did it when it was tough… and to the glory of God, today that mandate is very strong.”
He questioned those who have recently begun publicly praising the President and laying claim to loyalty, asking where they were during the critical moments of the 2023 campaign. According to Wike, many of them neither openly declared support nor mobilised their supporters to vote.
Despite his criticisms, the minister assured his supporters that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He also signalled a readiness to re-engage politically, telling stakeholders that active politics would resume in earnest from January 2026.
“And we are going forward from January next year. Let me inform you, we will start politics,” he declared.
Wike also stressed the importance of honouring agreements, insisting that he would not be part of any arrangement that could not be kept. He said his political battles over the years had largely stemmed from his refusal to compromise on agreements.
He reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu, noting that he has never hidden his political positions, even at the cost of criticism. Thanking the people of Ahoada for their longstanding support, Wike urged them not to be worried, assuring them that the time to speak more decisively would come.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted several prominent political figures, including Senators Magnus Abe, Philip Aduda, Wilson Ake and Olaka Wogu, as well as ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra and other notable stakeholders.
Analysts say Wike’s comments suggest that Rivers State may be heading into another phase of intense political manoeuvring, with the uneasy balance of power likely to be tested as 2026 approaches.
