FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has confirmed that he is personally coordinating President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign in Rivers State, explaining that the state's peculiar political situation demands a leader with the right buy-in. Speaking at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, Wike acknowledged that Rivers is the only state in the federation where the incumbent APC governor is not directly coordinating the presidential campaign, but he was unapologetic about filling that gap himself.
Why Wike Says the Job Requires His Kind of Leadership
The minister was direct about what he believes the assignment demands. "Look, in an election, it takes a lot of leadership; there are a lot of things that are involved," Wike said. "You require somebody who has a buy-in." He did not elaborate on the specific reasons Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not leading the campaign coordination, but framed Rivers as a state with circumstances unlike any other in the country.
Wike's comments come against the backdrop of a well-documented political tension between him and Fubara, his political godson, which has shaped the power dynamics in Rivers State over the past two years. The minister's role in the campaign has been a subject of speculation, with some observers suggesting that Fubara had been sidelined from the effort.
Wike Insists Fubara Has Not Been Pushed Aside
Despite taking on the coordination role himself, Wike firmly rejected any suggestion that Fubara had been marginalised. "No, he has not been pushed aside," he said when asked directly. The minister went further, arguing that Fubara remains fully integrated into the campaign at every level. "Fubara is fully a member, fully plays his part," Wike said.
He pointed to the fact that campaign meetings have been held at the governor's residence as evidence of Fubara's continued relevance. "If he is not a member, why do you think we are hosting meetings in his house? Do you know what it takes to host meetings of that calibre?" When asked whether the governor would participate in the campaign going forward, Wike confirmed he would, saying Fubara would be involved from the state level up to the national stage.
Fubara's Primary Motivation, According to Wike
The minister also offered what he described as the governor's primary motivation at this stage. "What is of concern to Fubara, whether he is running or not, is to keep his political family intact," Wike explained. This statement suggests that while Fubara may not be at the forefront of the campaign coordination, his focus remains on maintaining political unity within his camp.
The confirmation from Wike comes as the ruling APC gears up for the 2027 presidential election, with President Tinubu seeking re-election. The campaign structure in Rivers State, a key battleground, is seen as crucial to the party's chances, and Wike's involvement underscores the strategic importance he places on the state.
Wike's media chat, which was monitored by Legit.ng, also touched on his broader role in the campaign and his relationship with the governor. The minister's remarks are expected to fuel further discussion about the internal dynamics of the APC in Rivers State, particularly as the election cycle intensifies.
