Rivers State Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that he has ended his political alliance with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and plans to handpick a more reliable candidate for the 2027 elections.
Speaking to supporters over the weekend in Ahoada Local Government Area, Wike said, “We will not repeat the mistakes of 2023. Are we going back there? No! We are not going there. I’ve heard people claim they will call me and give me instructions. That will not happen.
“In Rivers State, nobody can dictate to me. The first agreement was broken, the second agreement was also reneged on. Which one will be honored next? We are not making that mistake again.
“Now that the opposition has weakened, everyone is shouting ‘on your mandate!’ But we have been defending your mandate all along.”
Wike also addressed Fubara’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress, stressing that his support for President Bola Tinubu does not automatically translate to backing Fubara for reelection.
“I have been clear about my support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He deserves to complete his eight years because of the commitment he has shown to Rivers State. Who would have thought a Rivers man would become Minister of the FCT?
“But shouting ‘on your mandate’ repeatedly does not guarantee an automatic ticket.”
The former governor added, “We are not against the president, but in Rivers State, we need someone we can trust—someone who allows us to sleep peacefully at night. Politics is about interests. If you don’t value what people have done for you, then there’s a problem.”
