Wike: Why We Opposed Fubara’s Second-Term Bid

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed why political stakeholders in Rivers State decided they could not support Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term, alleging that powerful external interests were plotting to take control of the state.

Addressing the press on governance and politics on Tuesday, the former Rivers State Governor said there was initially an agreement among political actors to move past their differences, but that the emergence of what he described as external forces seeking to “hijack” Rivers State forced a change in strategy.

“There was a time we all agreed to let bygones be bygones, but something fundamental came up in politics,” Wike said.

According to him, the group concluded that allowing Fubara another term would weaken their political relevance and create an opening for individuals who viewed Rivers State as a “cash cow.”

“We all met and said if we allow this, there are those who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant. There are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. We should not allow them to hijack Rivers State. They are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow,” he stated.

Turning to national politics, Wike dismissed the choice of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the African Democratic Congress ADC, saying the decision would not improve Atiku’s electoral prospects.

“I have come to know that it will indeed be difficult for Atiku to become president. I’m sure the only factor that made him choose Amaechi may be financial. If it is in terms of bringing votes to support him, it is dead on arrival,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also declared that Rivers State would remain firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

“In 2027, let nobody make a mistake. If anybody is counting Rivers, go now and cancel it. The only person who counts Rivers is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared.

Wike further took a swipe at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George, alleging that the residence he occupies in Maitama, Abuja, was acquired with Rivers State funds.

“This man from Lagos, Bode George, when they talk about corruption, ask him about the house he is living in Maitama. Is it not Rivers State money?” Wike alleged.

On the role of religious leaders in politics, Wike cautioned against statements that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, particularly comments suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is biased.

He argued that such remarks, especially when made by influential religious bodies, could erode trust in democratic institutions.

“If you come to general conclusions and say INEC is biased, you are sending a signal to the public because they will think, ‘For the entire Catholic bishop to say INEC is biased, then something is wrong.’ We must be very careful about it,” he said, adding that President Tinubu had maintained that such blanket allegations should not be made without evidence.

Wike also claimed that some religious leaders had openly aligned themselves with political interests during the 2023 elections, specifically referencing Cardinal John Onaiyekan.

“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden whom he supports. Everybody knows that. In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” Wike said.