Wike Blames Poor Advice for Fubara’s Failed 2027 Re-election Bid
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed the collapse of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2027 re-election bid to what he described as poor advice from those around the governor.
Speaking while addressing journalists, Wike said Fubara made a critical political mistake by pursuing a second-term ambition despite an earlier understanding reached during efforts to resolve the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. According to the former Rivers governor, the peace deal that halted moves to impeach Fubara included an agreement that the governor would not seek re-election.
Wike maintained that Fubara should never have obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination form, insisting that doing so violated the terms of the reconciliation agreement brokered to restore stability in the state.
The FCT minister argued that individuals close to the governor misled him into believing he could successfully contest for another term, describing such advice as politically damaging. He said the development ultimately contributed to the failure of Fubara’s re-election bid.
Fubara later announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, stating that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, unity and stability in Rivers State. Wike said the governor’s withdrawal did not come as a surprise, insisting it aligned with the earlier political understanding between the parties.
The political rift between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics since 2023, with both leaders engaged in a prolonged struggle over political control. The dispute triggered impeachment threats, legal battles and divisions within the state’s political structure before reconciliation efforts were initiated.
