Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara committed no wrongdoing by reconciling with his political camp, insisting that the governor had no alternative but to return to the political family that produced him.
Wike made the statement on Sunday, July 28, while speaking with newsmen after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory. He dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s return amounted to forgiveness after years of political disagreement, arguing that politics should not be viewed in terms of sin.
Wike on politics and mistakes
“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision,” Wike said.
The minister recalled that he had predicted the reconciliation well before Fubara made it public. “I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him. Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward,” he explained.
Implications for 2027 election
Wike maintained that Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general election. “He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” the minister said.
The reconciliation marks a significant shift in Rivers State politics, where a rift between Wike and Fubara had been widely reported. Fubara, who was Wike’s successor, had previously distanced himself from the former governor’s political structure. Now, with Fubara’s return, the camp aims to consolidate support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the oil-rich state.
Political analysts note that the move could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as Rivers State is a key battleground for votes. Wike, a prominent figure in the APC, has been instrumental in mobilising support in the South-South region. The reunion is expected to bolster Tinubu’s chances in the region, which has historically been a stronghold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike’s statement comes amid ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, which he inspected to ensure timely completion. The minister reiterated his commitment to developing the nation’s capital while also keeping an eye on political developments in his home state.
