Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is highly unlikely to dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in order to side with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This statement comes amidst the escalating political turmoil in Rivers State.
Fayose's Firm Stance on Wike's Value
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Fayose provided a detailed analysis of the political dynamics. He was responding to questions about the prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, a conflict that has fueled instability in the state since late 2023.
"The Asiwaju that I know will not get rid of a Wike for a Fubara," Fayose stated emphatically. He highlighted that Wike's political significance to President Tinubu stems from two key areas: his performance as FCT Minister and his capacity to deliver electoral victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fayose praised Wike's work in Abuja, saying, "Wike is in Abuja performing; we’ve never had it so good in Abuja. Even a blind man can’t deny that." He pointed to the recent local government elections in Rivers State, which the APC won, attributing the success to Wike's influence. Fayose also predicted similar outcomes for upcoming council elections in the FCT.
"So, what else will the President want from Wike?" he questioned, suggesting the minister's position is secure.
Fubara's Actions and PDP's Internal Woes
Fayose also commented on reports that Governor Fubara had travelled to France to seek President Tinubu's intervention. He interpreted this move as a sign of political miscalculation and desperation.
"If Governor Fubara has gone to meet the President, then it shows he needs help," Fayose remarked. "When you don’t praise God, when you refuse to humble yourself and look for peace, you’ll just be running helter-skelter. What he’s looking for is inside his pocket."
Shifting focus to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose dismissed notions that President Tinubu was responsible for the party's challenges. He described the PDP as a house divided against itself, weakened by internal strife. "The PDP caused themselves an insurrection... the nature of man is survival of the fittest," he concluded.
Wike's Response and Impeachment Proceedings Advance
In a related development, Minister Nyesom Wike has addressed the growing calls for his removal. Speaking on Sunday during a "thank you" visit to Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike stated that the power to sack him rests solely with President Tinubu.
"Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him,’" Wike said. "If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right; it is not in your place to tell him what to do." He expressed confidence that the president recognizes his value and reiterated his commitment to supporting Tinubu's political goals.
Local leaders, including Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Gift Worlu, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Council, publicly reaffirmed their support for Wike. They cited the area's substantial voting power and the minister's developmental contributions to the community.
These statements from Fayose and Wike emerge as the Rivers State House of Assembly progresses with impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Assembly has levelled allegations of misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling. While the House denies Wike's direct involvement, reports indicate that President Tinubu has intervened in the dispute in an attempt to mediate a resolution.
