Wike: Tinubu Support No Shortcut to Power

The political landscape in Rivers State has taken a sharper, more confrontational turn as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, issued a stern warning to political aspirants. During a high-profile Christmas visit to Emohua Local Government Area, the Minister made it clear that a sudden declaration of loyalty to President Bola Tinubu would not serve as a golden ticket for the 2027 governorship race.

Standing before a gathering of loyalists at the palace of His Royal Highness, Ohna Sergent Awuse, Wike’s rhetoric was seasoned with his trademark defiance. He argued that while the President’s second term is a “settled matter,” using that mandate as a shield to bypass local political understandings is a strategy destined for failure. For Wike, the upcoming election cycle will be governed by the sanctity of prior agreements rather than opportunistic endorsements.

The Minister’s message was a masterclass in local power dynamics, stressing that no amount of political maneuvering at the federal level could invalidate the covenants made within the state’s political structure. He insisted that anyone seeking the highest office in Rivers must respect established pacts, famously remarking that “agreement is agreement.” To Wike, the integrity of a politician is measured by their ability to keep their word to the people they lead.

Without naming names, Wike’s arrows appeared aimed directly at the current administration in Rivers State. He dismissed the idea that financial strength or the control of state resources—alluding to figures as high as N600 billion—could influence the outcome of the next election. He warned that wealth built on the foundation of broken promises would eventually “crumble” when faced with the organized resistance of his political machinery.

The FCT Minister expressed visible disdain for those who have recently pivoted to chanting “on your mandate” in support of the President. He questioned the sincerity of these new converts, particularly those who previously fought against pro-Tinubu lawmakers. In his view, claiming to be for the President now is a transparent attempt to secure a ticket that is not automatically guaranteed by federal proximity.

Wike’s critique extended to the supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He pointed out the irony of political actors who once demanded the seats of defected APC lawmakers be declared vacant, only to now find themselves seeking refuge under the same APC umbrella. He praised the lawmakers who defected early, stating they had the foresight to see the direction of the political wind long before their detractors did.

The atmosphere in Emohua was charged as Wike told his followers that “nobody born of a woman” can intimidate their movement. This bravado served as a rallying cry for his base, signaling that he intends to remain the primary power broker in Rivers State regardless of his duties in Abuja. He urged his supporters to stay prepared and maintain their relevance as the 2027 strategy begins to take shape.

Interestingly, while the Minister repeatedly emphasized the importance of these “agreements,” he remained tight-lipped about their specific details. This ambiguity has fueled intense speculation among political analysts. Is the agreement a one-term limit for the incumbency, or does it involve a complex rotation of power among the state’s various ethnic blocs? By keeping the details private, Wike maintains a psychological edge over his opponents.

The tour did not stop in Emohua; the Minister took this same uncompromising message to Ikwerre and Ahoada. In each location, the theme remained consistent: the road to the Rivers State government house does not bypass the local structures that built it. He made it clear that while he serves at the pleasure of the President, his influence over the “treasure base of the nation” is not something he intends to surrender to newcomers or perceived betrayers.

As the holiday season transitions into a new political year, Wike’s declarations have effectively set the stage for a protracted battle. By decoupling the President’s popularity from the local ticket, he is forcing aspirants to choose between federal alignment and local loyalty. The Minister has drawn a line in the sand, suggesting that in Rivers, the local covenant is the only currency that truly matters.

This development leaves Governor Fubara and his allies in a precarious position. Having moved toward the APC, they now find the gatekeeper of that very influence in the state asserting that their defection offers no automatic protection. The political war of nerves in Rivers is no longer just about governance; it is now a battle over who truly owns the mandate of the people and the ears of the presidency.

In the coming months, the weight of these “agreements” will likely become the central flashpoint of Rivers politics. If Wike’s assertions hold true, the 2027 race will not be won on the pages of newspapers or through federal declarations, but through the fulfillment of the quiet promises made behind closed doors. For now, the Minister has made one thing certain: he is not going anywhere, and he is not forgetting anything.