Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections after Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and influential political figure Nyesom Wike issued a stark warning about his political future tied to the re-election prospects of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike’s comments mark a significant escalation in a bitter rivalry that has fractured political alliances in the oil-rich southern state and drawn national attention.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key player in national politics, said during a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State that his political career would be effectively “buried” should Fubara secure a second term in office. Speaking to party loyalists and community leaders on Saturday, Wike made clear that a firm decision had been reached concerning Fubara’s ambition for re-election, emphasising that he would resist supporting the governor’s continuation in office at all costs.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again,” Wike stated, in remarks that have reverberated across political circles in Abuja and Port Harcourt alike.
The comments underscore the deep schism between Wike and Fubara, who were once political allies within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Their alliance fractured following internal disputes and Fubara’s controversial defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) last month, which further complicated Rivers State’s political dynamics and exposed fault lines in party loyalty and influence.
Wike’s warning has resonated beyond political rhetoric, reflecting broader tensions over power and control within Nigeria’s political elite. Observers note that his reference to a “political burial” highlights his perception of personal and factional stakes in the future direction of Rivers State governance. The minister, who has cultivated a reputation as a kingmaker in national politics, appears determined to shape the state’s political alignment in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
The fallout from this feud has seen shifts in political allegiances within Rivers State. During the same period, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress formally withdrew its support from Governor Fubara and pledged loyalty to Wike, signalling cracks in Fubara’s local support base and raising questions about grassroots political loyalties ahead of the 2027 polls. Leaders of the Ijaw group cited Wike’s past role in Fubara’s rise and expressed continued confidence in the former governor’s leadership influence.
Political analysts say Wike’s comments reflect broader anxieties among established political figures about maintaining relevance and influence amid shifting partisan landscapes. By publicly linking his political prospects to Fubara’s electoral fortunes, Wike is both asserting his continued prominence and warning of potential consequences should his preferred outcomes not materialise.
The deepening rift between Wike and Fubara has been fuelled in part by disagreements over what Wike describes as breached agreements and leadership missteps, particularly following Fubara’s defection. Wike’s critics argue that the feud could distract from governance priorities and risks exacerbating political tensions in a state already grappling with national attention and contested loyalties.
In response to Wike’s remarks, top leaders of the APC have moved to reaffirm their support for Governor Fubara, underscoring his leadership role within the party in Rivers State. National party figures, including APC officials, have publicly confirmed that Fubara remains the party’s leader in the state, signalling institutional backing despite the political friction with Wike.
The implications of Wike’s warning extend beyond Rivers State. Political commentators suggest that his determination to influence the outcome in Rivers State reflects the broader contestation over strategic strongholds in Nigeria’s federal structure. Rivers State, with its economic significance and sizable electorate, has often been a bellwether for national political trends.
Analysts also note that Wike’s dramatic language — framing a potential Fubara victory as a form of political “burial” — may be intended to galvanise supporters and reinforce his political brand ahead of an electoral cycle that promises to be fiercely contested. Whether this rhetoric will translate into effective political mobilisation remains to be seen, but it has undeniably raised the stakes in what was already a fractious political environment.
At the same time, some observers have cautioned against personalising political competition, urging political actors to prioritise governance and development over internecine disputes. They argue that prolonged factionalism can undermine public trust in political institutions and detract from addressing pressing issues such as economic challenges, infrastructure deficits, and insecurity — concerns that resonate deeply with voters across Nigeria.
As Rivers State prepares for the 2027 elections, the unfolding drama between Wike and Fubara will be closely watched by political stakeholders nationwide. The contest is shaping up to be emblematic of larger debates within Nigeria’s political class about loyalty, power, and the future direction of party politics in Africa’s most populous nation.
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