Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially ruled out supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in 2027, describing his previous endorsement of his successor as a political error he will not repeat. Speaking at a pre-convention meeting with Rivers State APC delegates in Abuja, the Minister declared that the era of political alignment between the two men is over, effectively drawing the battle lines for the next electoral cycle.
The declaration marks a definitive peak in the prolonged hostilities between the former allies, whose relationship collapsed shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023. Wike, who was instrumental in Fubara’s emergence as governor, told the gathered delegates that he has learned hard lessons from what he characterised as a betrayal of trust.
"No amount of blackmail, no amount of intimidation will make me repeat the same mistake I made before," Wike stated during the meeting. He emphasised that his decision was final regardless of any future political maneuvering or financial inducements. "If anybody is bringing money to you, it is your business. I don’t know how long I will live on this earth, but I will not make that mistake again," the Minister added, according to reports captured by The Nation.
Wike also used the platform to issue a stern warning to other politicians currently seeking his endorsement or using his name to gain leverage within various ethnic and political groups in Rivers State. He cautioned that he is "marking" those who are currently forming groups under the guise of his leadership while pursuing their own governorship ambitions.
In a show of support for his remaining loyalists, Wike praised the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. He lauded their resilience for enduring months without salaries rather than shifting their political allegiance to the governor.
While Governor Fubara has not issued a formal response to the Minister’s latest comments, his aides maintain that the Governor remains a potent political force with significant goodwill.