Why we oppose Fubara’s second-term bid – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has suggested that survival and relevance were among the factors behind the decision by his camp not to support Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for a second term.

Wike made the revelation during a media chat on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while explaining the events that led to the political crisis between him and Fubara.

The former Rivers State governor said there was a time when both sides agreed to move past their differences, but added that new political concerns later emerged.

According to Wike, his allies feared that allowing the situation to continue could make them lose political influence in Rivers State.

“There was a time we all agreed to let bygones be bygones, but something fundamental came up in politics,” Wike said.

“We all met and said if we allow this, there are those who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant.”

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The FCT minister also alleged that external forces were attempting to take control of Rivers State, describing the state as a major political and economic asset.

“Two, there are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. We should not allow them hijack Rivers State. They are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow,” he said.

Wike’s comments come amid the long-running political dispute between him and Fubara, who emerged as his successor after the 2023 governorship election but later fell out with the former governor.

The disagreement between both politicians triggered a major political crisis in the state, leading to divisions among lawmakers and political actors loyal to both camps.

Wike maintained that the decision taken by his political allies was…