The political landscape in Rivers State is heating up as key figures begin early mobilisation for the 2027 general elections, deepening the protracted rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike's Strategic Move and Accusations
On Wednesday, 2 January 2026, during a New Year visit to Abua/Odual Local Council Area, Nyesom Wike made a significant declaration. He stated that his political camp is actively collapsing all existing structures in Rivers State to ensure victory and mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Wike framed the growing criticisms against him as a backlash to his "sterling performance" in public office. He expressed a firm resolve to correct what he termed political missteps made during the 2023 elections in the state.
The minister's comments are directly tied to the ongoing crisis with his political protégé, Governor Fubara. The conflict, which began less than six months into Fubara's tenure, has continued to intensify. Wike insists that the governor must honour the terms of a peace agreement brokered in September 2025. Sources indicate a key part of that deal was a clause that Governor Fubara would not seek a second term, an allegation Wike claims has already been breached.
Fubara's Call for Peace and Resilience
In a contrasting tone, Governor Siminalayi Fubara used his New Year message to urge residents of Rivers State to remain composed and united despite the heightened political tensions. Speaking during a crossover service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace in Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor assured that his administration would not be distracted or intimidated by what he called the "sounds of war."
Fubara reflected on his first two years in office, describing them as challenging and turbulent, with internal pressures that slowed the pace of development. However, he noted that the state survived this difficult phase without collapsing, crediting divine help and the collective strength of the people.
He outlined that his government's guiding principles for 2026 would be prayers, patience, and peaceful engagement, rather than confrontation. Drawing a biblical analogy from the experience of Prophet Elijah, he encouraged citizens to focus on the "still small voice" of God and ignore political intimidation and distractions.
The Battle Lines for 2027 Are Drawn
The events of early January 2026 clearly mark the opening salvo in the long campaign for the 2027 elections in Rivers State. Wike's visit to Tai Local Council, accompanied by allies like RMAFC Federal Commissioner Desmond Akawor, Senator Barinada Mpigi, and APC National Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, underscores his effort to consolidate support within the state's political architecture.
In his speech, Wike reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, stating, "We have made up our minds to support the President, just as we did in 2023. In politics, sometimes you make mistakes, but once you realise a mistake has been made, you correct it immediately." He urged his supporters to remain firm and resolute.
The minister also took a swipe at the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Azuta-Mbata, who had recently criticised him. Wike challenged the former lawmaker to account for his eight years in the Senate, defiantly responding to being called 'semi-literate'.
As both camps dig in, the stage is set for a prolonged and intense political struggle in Rivers State, with the allegiance of the state's political machinery and the 2027 electoral outcome hanging in the balance.
