Prominent Nigerian analyst Professor Farooq Kperogi has issued a stark warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that his ongoing political battle in Rivers State could severely damage his long-standing political influence and even lead to a fallout with President Bola Tinubu.
Wike's Conditional Support for Tinubu Exposed
In his weekly column published on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the US-based scholar argued that the renewed political tensions in the oil-rich Rivers State have exposed Wike's seemingly conditional backing for President Tinubu. Kperogi highlighted that Wike's recent clash with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru from Osun State, inadvertently ropes in the President.
Kperogi pointed to Wike's warning to Basiru, where the FCT minister stated, "Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be careful with your statements." According to the analyst, this is an explicit message to Tinubu that Wike's support for a 2027 reelection bid is not guaranteed but is contingent on reciprocity, particularly regarding control over Rivers State politics.
Rivers Crisis Escalates with Impeachment Threat
The warning comes against the backdrop of an escalating political crisis in Rivers State, which has created a deep rift between Wike, a former two-term governor of the state, and the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The crisis intensified this week as the state's House of Assembly, reconvening early from a recess set to end on January 26, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The lawmakers, who adjourned the process to January 15, are pursuing the removal on allegations of gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds. This move has pitted the ruling APC at the national level against the Rivers State Assembly, further complicating the political landscape.
Risk of a Stunning Political Setback
Professor Kperogi cautioned that by overplaying his hand in Rivers, Wike risks being sidelined by the Tinubu-led APC administration. The public affairs commentator noted that the FCT minister is embroiled in a high-profile intra-establishment clash that could have far-reaching consequences.
"I expect Tinubu to be next on the list," Kperogi wrote, interpreting Wike's actions as a direct challenge. He concluded that if the President does not allow Wike to maintain his political stronghold in Rivers State, the minister could stall Tinubu's 2027 reelection campaign within his own sphere of influence, leading to a significant political setback for the former governor.
This analysis adds to the growing scrutiny of Wike's position, following earlier condemnation from groups like the Atiku Movement (TAM), which criticized the minister for taking undue credit for projects. As the January 15 date for the resumed impeachment proceedings approaches, all eyes remain on Port Harcourt and Abuja to see how this high-stakes political drama will unfold.
