The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, emphasizing that such a decision will be made collectively by a political coalition in the state.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said any endorsement would depend on the outcome of deliberations by a joint coalition comprising his loyalists across the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have not endorsed anybody and cannot do so until the joint coalition meets,” he said, describing the alliance as a “rainbow coalition” formed as part of a broader political strategy.
Wike also made it clear that the coalition is not aligned with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, signaling a continued rift between the two political figures.
Addressing the ongoing tensions, the former Rivers governor accused Fubara of failing to uphold an agreement reached with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the presence of President Bola Tinubu. According to Wike, the agreement had led to the withdrawal of impeachment proceedings against the governor.
He alleged that despite assurances made during the presidential intervention, Fubara did not adhere to the terms of the resolution, deepening the political divide.
The dispute between Wike and Fubara stems from a prolonged struggle over control of political structures in the state. Fubara, who succeeded Wike in 2023 with his backing, has since fallen out with his predecessor.
The crisis intensified when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In response to the escalating situation, President Tinubu intervened in March 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly, while appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
Normal governance was restored six months later following a reconciliation meeting involving the president, Wike, Fubara, and key lawmakers, bringing a temporary resolution to the political impasse.
