The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, enjoys widespread public support to contest for re-election in 2027.
Speaking during his monthly media parley on Wednesday in Abuja, he challenged the narrative that the governor has unanimous backing from the people, describing such assertions as misleading and unfounded.
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The minister revisited the recent political crisis in Rivers State, which saw tensions escalate to the point of impeachment proceedings initiated by the State House of Assembly against Fubara.
According to Wike, the situation was eventually resolved through the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who called on all parties to embrace peace and dialogue.
He explained that following the President’s mediation, both sides reached an agreement that led to the withdrawal of the impeachment move. He noted, however, that the governor allegedly failed to fully adhere to the terms agreed during the arbitration process.
“The President intervened in the impeachment proceedings and advised that there should be peace. The governor indicated willingness, and the Assembly withdrew the impeachment,” Wike said. “But it is concerning when agreements reached in such a high-level arbitration are not fully respected.”
Reacting to claims that residents and political supporters are urging Fubara to seek re-election in 2027, Wike dismissed the suggestion outright. He argued that politicians often attribute their ambitions to public demand, even when such claims may not reflect reality.
“Nobody wants anybody. Please don’t tell me that,” he said. “Which politician will admit they were persuaded to run? Even if people approached you, you still have the choice to decline.”
Wike stressed that appearing before the President for arbitration required a commitment to honour agreed resolutions, noting that all parties involved had a responsibility to uphold their end of the bargain.
The remarks underscore ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, despite earlier efforts to broker peace. Observers say the disagreement could shape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, as alliances and rivalries continue to evolve.
