The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has effectively ended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s chances of securing a second term in office.
Speaking during a live television interview on Tuesday, Wike attributed the rift to “poor advice” given to Fubara by political associates and external interests seeking financial control over the oil-rich state.
Wike, who preceded Fubara as governor, said he had repeatedly cautioned his successor against dismantling the political network that enabled his election in 2023.
‘Nothing left to lose’
Reflecting on his own transition into office, Wike claimed he inherited a state administration with depleted resources, contrasting it with the stable foundation he claimed to have left for Fubara.
“When I came, I had to borrow vehicles from the former governor of Ondo… Nobody kept any vehicle,” Wike said, adding that he had modernized government facilities before handing over power. “What is wrong with continuing that way?”
Wike argued that Fubara had allied himself with figures who originally opposed his governorship bid, leading to tactical errors.
“Those who didn’t want you to be governor now became your friends. Obviously, they will destroy you,” Wike said. “At the end of the fight, I have not lost anything… But your intention was to go for a second term, and you are not going.”
Allegations of external interference
Addressing attempts at mediation, Wike disclosed that reconciliation efforts broke down due to competing political ambitions and external interference. He alleged that outside figures, including senior legal practitioners, sought to use the state as a “cash cow” and advised the governor to resist compromise.
“They were sending them aircraft… To them, they were king,” Wike said, adding that his political camp moved to block those external influences.
A long-running power struggle
The dispute between the two men began shortly after Fubara took office in 2023, following allegations that the new governor was attempting to dismantle Wike’s political structure.
The standoff led to severe legislative instability in the state, repeated impeachment threats by lawmakers loyal to Wike, and a temporary federal intervention in March 2025.
Although Fubara later joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he withdrew from the party’s governorship primary in May 2026—a move linked to earlier political settlements.
In July 2026, Fubara announced a return to his original political alliance, endorsing the cross-party coalition led by Wike ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
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