A senior official of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State cannot achieve any political success in Gokana Local Government Area without the endorsement of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Gokana Declared a Political Stronghold
Victor Giadom, the National Vice Chairman of the APC for the South-South zone, made this assertion on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. He spoke at a public gathering in Gokana which was attended by Minister Wike, who was visiting to express gratitude to local leaders and residents.
Giadom stated unequivocally that Wike remains the dominant political force in the area. "Gokana is a no-go area for anybody, even Governor Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike," Giadom pronounced. He further claimed that the people of Gokana are politically aligned with both Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
Unified Support from Local Leaders
The event showcased a consolidated front of support for the former governor. Former Senator Magnus Abe was also present, echoing the sentiment that the community has made its political choice. Abe advised attendees that sticking with trusted leadership would yield dividends for Gokana.
This show of force was reinforced by other key figures. Dumle Maol, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Confidence Deko, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, both pledged their unwavering support to Minister Wike during the visit. They assured him of the community's backing for his future political engagements.
Background of a Protracted Political Feud
The remarks highlight the ongoing and deep-seated political rift in Rivers State. Governor Fubara, who assumed office in 2023, was originally a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Wike's influence. However, he defected to the APC in early December 2025.
This move was the culmination of tensions that began after the 2023 elections, with disputes over control escalating into open conflict. The crisis involved the state legislature and reached a peak in March 2025, leading to a six-month state of emergency. During this period, Governor Fubara and state assembly members were suspended, and retired naval officer Ibas was appointed as sole administrator.
Since his reinstatement, Fubara has publicly focused on themes of stability and governance. Meanwhile, Wike has continued to comment on the state's political affairs, often without directly naming the governor. At the time of reporting, neither the Governor's office nor Wike's spokesperson had issued an immediate response to Giadom's pointed comments.
