Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has refuted claims that he has endorsed any governorship candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, May 6, Wike clarified that he has not endorsed any candidate and cannot do so until the joint coalition of the PDP and APC in the state meets. He stated, "I have not (endorsed anybody) and I cannot endorse somebody until the joint coalition meets."
Wike Confirms Loyalists in Both Parties
The former Rivers governor acknowledged that he has loyalists in both the PDP and the APC, a fact he has never hidden. He described the coalition as a rainbow coalition, emphasizing that it is a political strategy because there is a common opponent they need to confront. He also revealed that the rainbow coalition is not working with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his successor, who is reportedly eyeing the APC governorship ticket in 2027.
Accusations Against Fubara
Wike accused Governor Fubara of reneging on an agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which involved members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He recalled that the agreement was meant to prevent the impeachment of the governor, a commitment he says Fubara has violated.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
Wike's comments have sparked diverse reactions from the public. Some social media users predict that Fubara will be a one-term governor, while others suggest he should defect to another party to challenge Wike's influence. A user named King Emeka commented, "Fubara is gone. He will be a one-term governor. There is absolutely nothing he can do." Another user, Ozmond, advised Fubara to "port enter NDC" and focus on rigging the next elections as a way to counter Wike. Benghazi warned that impeachment proceedings would resume if Fubara attempts to contest again. MindInBetween criticized Wike, saying, "So he's the one who decides who stays? These people are not even hiding it anymore."
Related Developments
In a related story, the PDP sold its first expression of interest and nomination form for the 2027 presidential election to Sandy Onor, a former governorship candidate in Cross River and a strong ally of Wike. This comes as Wike has vowed to support President Bola Tinubu's second-term ambition in 2027.
