In a bold political move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged to mobilize backing for the President across Rivers State. This declaration comes amidst growing political tensions within the state and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike's Grassroots Mobilization Tour
Wike detailed his ongoing political engagements across Rivers State, stating he had visited Oyigbo and Ogu-Bolo Local Government Areas and was proceeding to Akuku-Toru and Degema. He framed these visits as part of local political activities, asserting that support for President Tinubu in the state is total. "Here, it is local politics, and our support for Mr President is total," Wike wrote in a post dated 6 January 2026.
During his appearance in Ogu-Bolo, Wike praised President Tinubu for key federal appointments benefiting Rivers indigenes. He highlighted the nomination of Senator Magnus Abe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Kenneth Kobani as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Wike argued these appointments demonstrated the President's consideration for Rivers State, claiming the level of federal inclusion under Tinubu is unprecedented since the state's creation.
APC Fires Back, Accuses Wike of Meddling
Wike's active role in Rivers politics, despite being a minister in Abuja and not a card-carrying member of the APC, has drawn fierce criticism from the party's national leadership. The Rivers State APC chapter has warned him against interfering in party affairs, particularly given his strained relationship with the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is now an APC member.
A member of the APC National Working Committee issued a stern warning, stating, "We may ask the President to choose between us and his FCT minister if Wike continues to behave as if only he can serve the political interests of the President in Rivers State." The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, went further, asking Wike to resign his ministerial appointment. Basiru accused Wike of deliberately misrepresenting the party's leadership structure in Rivers—where sitting governors are traditionally recognized as party leaders—for mischievous ends.
"It is shocking that such an innocuous statement can elicit such uncouth responses from no less than a member of the Federal Executive Council," Basiru said, describing Wike's actions as excessive and unbecoming of a serving minister.
Roots of Wike's Political Stance
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until his expulsion, has remained publicly aligned with Tinubu since the 2023 presidential election. He was a key South-South leader who supported Tinubu's candidacy against the stance of his former party.
He has consistently defended his political decisions, stating they are guided by principles of fairness, equity, and political agreements made ahead of the 2023 polls. Wike affirms that his involvement in Rivers' politics is rooted in his long-standing relationship with the people and his role in building political structures across the state, insisting his support for Tinubu was deliberate and sustained.
This ongoing saga sets the stage for heightened political maneuvering in Rivers State as the country looks toward the 2027 general elections, with Wike positioning himself as a pivotal figure for the presidency in the region despite significant opposition from within the ruling party's ranks.
