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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has drawn clear political battle lines in Rivers State, declaring that he will not allow himself to be politically buried as alignments for the 2027 polls intensify.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike urged his supporters to rally behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that his political camp had taken a definitive position on the future direction of the state and the country.
According to the former Rivers State governor, a firm decision has already been taken as regards the support for the president, while ruling out backing Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term.
“We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one [Fubara] , no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically,” Wike said.
Emphasising his resolve, he added, “I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.”
Wike had in recent weeks, resumed public criticism of Governor Fubara, following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 9.
The FCT Minister accused Fubara of breaching the peace agreement reached prior to the lifting of emergency rule in Rivers State, which paved the way for the governor’s return to office.
Last Tuesday, Wike described the political situation in Rivers as a “leadership mistake” that would be corrected by all means in 2027. He also promised to disclose details of the peace agreement that restored Fubara to power.
In an apparent reference to the governor, Wike said political leaders are expected to serve the will of the people rather than pursue personal interests.
“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027, but we will talk about it later when the time comes,” he said.
The former governor further argued that Fubara’s support for President Tinubu would not guarantee his re-election, noting that he had backed Tinubu even before the governor joined the APC.
“If you played well with the first one and succeeded, do you think you can succeed with the second one? There cannot be two markets in one day,” Wike said while addressing stakeholders in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area last Friday.
In a veiled reference to the peace agreements previously signed with Fubara, Wike cautioned against misplaced assurances.
“So, whoever is assuring you that everything will be fine once you sign on your mandate [Tinubu’s political signature song], you are mistaken,” he said.
“All of us have decided to work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no discussion about that. Of course, you know we won’t make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct the mistake. We will do all we can to ensure that we give Tinubu all the total support that is required.”
Wike’s remarks highlight the widening political divide in Rivers State, as rival camps reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the former governor making it clear that loyalty, strategic alignment and past political lessons will shape decisions within his political structure.