The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has signalled a fresh round of political contestation in Rivers State ahead of 2026, declaring that political activities would resume in January, despite claims of a peace deal between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike’s remarks have reignited speculation that the lingering political crisis in the state is far from over and could take a new turn in the coming year.
The former Rivers State governor made the declaration on Saturday while addressing stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. He spoke shortly after an annual thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche, held at the Ochigba community in Ahoada East LGA.
Addressing his supporters, Wike stated unequivocally that political engagement would recommence in the new year. He said they would move forward from January next year and clearly informed them that politics would begin again.
Wike also used the occasion to criticise individuals he accused of benefiting from the sacrifices of others during the 2023 general elections without openly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the time.
According to him, many failed to publicly identify with Tinubu’s mandate when the political climate was tense. He recalled that during the 2023 elections, it was difficult for many people to openly campaign or ask voters to support Tinubu, but he and his allies stood firm despite the challenges.
He said that today, the President’s mandate is strong in Rivers State because of those who stood their ground when it mattered most. He credited his supporters for helping to strengthen that mandate in the state.
Wike questioned the loyalty of individuals who have recently begun praising the President and claiming support for his administration, asking where they were when support was most needed during the elections. He noted that such individuals neither openly declared support for Tinubu nor mobilised their followers at the critical moment.
Although he did not mention names, Wike assured his supporters that their sacrifices during the 2023 electioneering process would not be in vain.
Addressing the much-publicised peace deal in Rivers State, the FCT minister stressed that he would not be part of any agreement that could not be honoured. He said agreement must be respected and that people should not enter into commitments they cannot keep.
He maintained that those now making loud political claims only surfaced after the battle had already been won, asking whether they would be speaking up today if others had not stood firm at the time.
Wike stated that he has never hidden his political stance, adding that his insistence on honouring agreements has made him one of the most criticised politicians in Nigeria.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike said he and his political allies remain firmly committed to the President’s mandate.
He thanked the people of Ahoada for their continued loyalty and support, assuring them that there was no cause for alarm and that the appropriate time to speak further would come.
The thanksgiving ceremony was attended by several political heavyweights, including Senators Magnus Abe, Philip Aduda, Wilson Ake and Olaka Wogu. Others present were ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra, among others.
