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By Oscar Okhifo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that political alignments in Rivers State are no longer defined by party affiliation, insisting that loyalty in the state is now driven more by personal interests and influence than by party platforms.
Wike spoke during a meeting with his supporters and political allies in Port Harcourt, at a time of heightened political tension in the state following the prolonged face-off between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The former governor said political affiliations in Rivers State have become fluid, noting that actors across the political spectrum now form alliances based on shared interests, influence and loyalty to individuals rather than commitment to party ideologies or structures.
“In Rivers today, there is no party. What we have are people. There is no party allegiance again. Everybody is doing what they believe is in their interest,” Wike said.
He said developments in recent months have exposed the limits of party identity in determining political actions, arguing that influence, organizations and grassroots support now outweigh party labels in shaping political outcomes.
Wike defended his cross-party engagements, insisting that he would continue to associate and collaborate with political actors he trusts, regardless of their party affiliation, as long as such relationships align with his political principles.
He cautioned politicians who depend solely on party machinery to exert authority in the state to reassess their strategies, stressing that Rivers politics has historically been driven by personalities, networks and power blocs.
It has become a major topic of discussion among Nigerians how Wike has risen to such a level of influence that he can hold sway over not just one, but two major political parties in the state, leveraging his position to shape political outcomes to his advantage.
The remarks were made amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has fractured the Peoples Democratic Party, pitted the executive against the legislature, and intensified political manoeuvring ahead of forthcoming elections.
Despite leaving office in 2023, Wike remains a dominant political figure in Rivers State, with his influence continuing to shape the political landscape and power dynamics in the oil-rich state.