The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that sudden declarations of support for President Bola Tinubu will not automatically guarantee a governorship ticket in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike said aligning with the President’s mandate cannot invalidate existing political agreements, stressing that such agreements must be respected and upheld, regardless of shifting political loyalties. He cautioned that attempts to rewrite earlier understandings under the guise of supporting the President would be firmly resisted.
The minister spoke on Sunday during a special Christmas visit to his supporters in Emohua Local Government Area, held at the palace of His Royal Highness, Ohna Sergent Awuse, the Paramount Ruler of Emohua and Chairman of the South-South Traditional Rulers Forum.
Reiterating his long-standing position, Wike said he would not tolerate being taken for granted after agreements had been concluded, adding that political integrity lies in honouring commitments.
While emphasising that President Tinubu’s return for a second term was already “a settled matter,” the former Rivers State governor insisted that loyalty to the President should not be used as a bargaining tool in Rivers State politics.
“So, as far as Tinubu’s own is concerned, it’s a settled matter,” Wike said. “Anybody who wants to be governor of Rivers State, if you like sing on your mandate, no. Agreement is what, agreement.”
He stressed that character in leadership is demonstrated by keeping one’s word, warning that money or political influence cannot override collective decisions.
“What makes a man is when you agree to something with people, you keep it,” he said. “Nobody can use us to play wayo. No matter the amount of money you say you have, it will crumble.”
Wike further dismissed the idea that proclaiming support for Tinubu could translate into automatic political advantage in Rivers State.
“Nobody should come and be telling me, we are for Tinubu, on your mandate,” he said. “Who is for Tinubu in Rivers State? That cannot give you any ticket. It cannot.”
The minister also declared that intimidation would not work against his political camp, insisting that they remained resolute and prepared to remain relevant in the state’s political affairs.
“Nobody born of a woman can intimidate us,” he said. “If you like, you can have the billions of dollars. What we will say is what we will do.”
In a pointed remark, Wike criticised supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who have recently declared support for President Tinubu. He noted that the same group had earlier demanded that the seats of Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) be declared vacant, adding that those lawmakers “saw ahead of them.”
Although Wike repeatedly stressed that “agreement is agreement,” he did not disclose the specific nature of the agreement or the parties involved, leaving room for speculation. Political observers have raised concerns about the future of Governor Fubara, particularly regarding his chances of securing a second-term ticket following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
