I Will Be Politically Buried if Fubara Secures Second Term — Wike

Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has warned that his political future could be severely damaged if Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara secures a second term in office, a statement that underlines ongoing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters and stakeholders in Okrika Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike said a clear political choice has already been made regarding support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid while dismissing the possibility of backing Fubara’s continuation in office.

“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. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again,” he said, stressing that he and his allies would not repeat what he described as past errors that could jeopardise their political standing.

Wike’s comments came as he stepped up criticism of Fubara after the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress late last year, accusing him of violating a peace agreement that facilitated his return to office during an earlier emergency rule in the state.

He said the upcoming electoral cycle presents an opportunity to correct what he called a “leadership mistake” in Rivers, adding that details of the agreement that initially restored Fubara’s mandate would be disclosed in due course.

“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, framing his remarks around the need for political accountability and strategic alignment within the broader party structure.

While reaffirming his support for Tinubu’s presidency, Wike also questioned suggestions that Fubara’s public endorsement of the president would automatically secure his re-election, noting that he had supported 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,” he said, reiterating his belief that past political missteps should not be repeated.

Wike’s remarks reflect a deepening rift between him and Fubara, illustrating the complex dynamics within Rivers State politics as key actors position themselves ahead of the next national and state elections.