In a significant political forecast, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not abandon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the protracted power struggle with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fayose's Television Interview and Core Prediction
Fayose made this assertion during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was reacting to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, which continues to create tension beyond the state's borders. According to Fayose, President Tinubu is more likely to retain confidence in Wike due to his substantial political influence and proven electoral value to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
"But let me say this to Nigerians, the Asiwaju that I know, will not get rid of a Wike for a Fubara. Wike came from Rivers to give support to President Tinubu," Fayose stated emphatically.
Why Wike Remains Strategically Important to Tinubu
Fayose provided a detailed rationale for his prediction, arguing that Wike remains a strategically important figure for the presidency. He highlighted two key areas: electoral victories and administrative performance.
On the electoral front, Fayose credited Wike with delivering the APC's success in the recent local government contests in Rivers State. He also projected that the ruling party would win the upcoming council elections in Abuja, the nation's capital under Wike's ministerial watch.
"The local government in Rivers, APC won them courtesy of Wike. The coming local government in Abuja, APC will still win it. So, what else will the President want from Wike?" he queried.
Regarding performance, Fayose praised Wike's work in the FCT, claiming visible developmental strides. "Wike is in Abuja performing, we've never had it so good in Abuja, even a blind man can't deny that," he remarked.
Critique of Fubara and Analysis of PDP's Woes
Turning his attention to Governor Fubara, Fayose dismissed the governor's reported efforts to seek presidential intervention abroad as a sign of political miscalculation and overconfidence. He suggested that Fubara's approach was counterproductive.
"If Governor Fubara has gone to meet the President (in France), then it shows he needs help. When you don't praise God, when you refuse to humble yourself and look for peace, you'll just be running helter-skelter. What he's looking for is inside his pocket," Fayose said.
Furthermore, Fayose addressed the internal crisis rocking the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He exonerated President Tinubu and the APC from any blame for the PDP's challenges, describing them as self-inflicted.
"The challenges in the PDP is not the fault of Asiwaju," he stated, adding, "Failure in my home, God forbid, is not the fault of my neighbour." He characterized the PDP as a house divided against itself, weakened by internal rivalry and unresolved disputes.
Background: Renewed Tensions in Rivers Assembly
This political commentary comes against the backdrop of renewed tensions in Rivers State. Barely two months after the suspension of emergency rule and the reinstatement of democratic structures, a fresh rift has emerged between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
During its 31st legislative sitting, the Assembly condemned the vandalization of property at the Township School in Port Harcourt and other institutions across the state. Lawmakers lamented the decayed infrastructure in public schools and accused the executive arm of Governor Fubara of doing little to address the situation.
This ongoing feud underscores the deep-seated political crisis that Fayose believes will see President Tinubu firmly aligning with his political ally, Nyesom Wike, rather than his successor in Rivers Government House.
