Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike asserted his unchallenged authority over Rivers State politics on January 5, 2026, stating that no one can dictate terms to him regarding the state's future. The declaration came amid his ongoing "thank you" tours across local governments, intensifying his feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike emphasized his dominance, saying, "Nobody will give me instructions as far as Rivers is concerned," during interactions following his meeting with PDP and APC chairmen. Local leaders, including Ahoada West APC chair Rejoice Otobo, pledged to follow his directives exclusively, reinforcing his cross-party grip.
This bold claim builds on Wike's recent moves to block Fubara's re-election bid, dismissing the governor's N600bn war chest as insufficient against grassroots support. He controls key local structures, warning that no victory is possible without his camp's backing, while vowing to reveal details of their broken presidential peace deal.
Wike's rhetoric frames Fubara's 2023 win as a "leadership mistake" to be corrected in 2027, positioning himself as Rivers' "political field marshal". Traditional rulers received warnings to stay neutral, as his coalition mobilizes for President Tinubu's re-election and state power reclamation.