By Nworisa Michael
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his political career would be effectively destroyed if Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, secures a second term in office, further deepening the long-running political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Wike made the statement on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed party leaders, loyalists, and political associates amid escalating tensions between him and his successor.
Speaking bluntly, the former Rivers State governor said a firm decision had already been taken ahead of the 2027 governorship election, stressing that allowing Governor Fubara to return for another term would amount to political suicide for him and his political camp.
“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,” Wike said.
“I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again. So everybody should know we have made a decision.”
Although Wike did not openly state the platform or candidate his camp intends to support, his remarks were widely interpreted as a clear rejection of Fubara’s second-term ambition and a signal of alignment with forces opposed to the incumbent governor.
Wike and Fubara, once close political allies, have been locked in a fierce power struggle since shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. The rift has fractured the Rivers State House of Assembly, divided party structures, and drawn national attention, including multiple interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at restoring peace.
Despite several reconciliation efforts, the crisis has persisted, with political observers noting that governance and party cohesion in the state have been severely affected.
Wike’s latest remarks appear to confirm the collapse of any remaining truce, as he framed the 2027 contest as an existential battle for his political relevance.