The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will not be re-elected in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that control of state finances and a reported N600 billion war chest would not guarantee political victory.
Wike made the statement on Wednesday during a ‘thank-you’ visit to the people of Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. In a pointed attack on his estranged political protégé, the former governor accused Fubara of reneging on agreements reached during a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu in June, describing the governor’s actions as a serious breach of trust.
According to Wike, political power in Rivers State has never been determined by money alone. He argued that popular support, grassroots loyalty and credibility, rather than access to public funds, would decide the outcome of the 2027 election.
“We are battle ready. We were the original ‘mandate’ people. Don’t deal with people who cannot keep to agreements and then tell you it is politics. That kind of politics will not work here again,” Wike said.
He added, “If they like, let them keep all the money, whether they have N600bn or not. We have defeated people with money before. We will still defeat people with money. What matters is the people; it is not money.”
Wike further alleged that Governor Fubara failed to honour commitments made before President Tinubu during the Abuja meeting, which was aimed at resolving the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. He said details of the agreement would soon be made public.
“After agreeing on something, you renege. And you think you are a smart politician? You are clever by half,” Wike said. “Very soon, we will let Rivers people know what we agreed before Mr President.”
The former governor reiterated his earlier claim that his political camp would “correct the mistake” of the 2023 governorship election, insisting that his allies were already mobilised to reclaim power in the state. He also dismissed suggestions that Governor Fubara’s control of state institutions or finances would intimidate the opposition.
During the visit, Wike commended the people of Tai Local Government Area for supporting President Tinubu in the 2023 general election, noting that their political decision had been rewarded with federal appointments, infrastructure projects and the siting of the Federal University of Environment in the area.
President Tinubu had met with Wike, Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in June 2025 to address months of political tension that had paralysed governance in the state. The crisis stemmed from a bitter power struggle between Wike and his successor, culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor and lawmakers.
Although both men pledged to work together after the meeting, the terms of the agreement were never disclosed, and political hostilities have since continued.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government on Wednesday clarified that its annual N100,000 Christmas bonus is paid to all civil servants, public office holders and pensioners without discrimination. The clarification followed complaints by members of the State House of Assembly, who described the payment as unconstitutional and extra-budgetary.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the bonus had been consistently paid over the past three years and was intended as a token of appreciation for workers’ dedication. He stressed that Governor Fubara remained committed to workers’ welfare and the broader “Rivers First” development agenda.
