Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has delivered a blunt political message to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that public support for President Bola Tinubu alone will not secure an electoral ticket for the 2027 elections. Wike’s comments, widely interpreted as a veiled warning to Fubara amid ongoing internal political tensions in Rivers State, were delivered during a public appearance in Emohua Local Government Area.
Wike emphasised that loyalty to the President a stance many politicians now publicly display is no longer a distinguishing political advantage in Rivers State. He noted that long-standing support and tested loyalty in challenging times carry more political weight than late declarations made after the outcome of key elections has been decided.
The minister’s remarks follow Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his public pledge of support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. Wike’s statement underscored that mere alignment with the President does not automatically translate to political rewards such as party tickets or grassroots legitimacy.
Political observers interpret Wike’s intervention as part of a broader power struggle in the state, suggesting that intra-party positioning and historical loyalty will be key determinants of who secures nomination tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
