Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed optimism about Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara's political future. During a media chat on Thursday, 5 November, Wike stated that Fubara, despite his current circumstances, remains a young and viable candidate for future political appointments. Wike's comments come amid speculations about Fubara's prospects following a political dispute with his predecessor.
Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara's political opportunities would end after his tenure as governor. He emphasized that Fubara's current situation does not dictate the offices he might hold in the future. According to Wike, Fubara's involvement in the Rainbow Coalition, a grouping of politicians supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election, is evidence of his continued relevance in the political landscape.
The Rainbow Coalition, which brings together politicians from different parties, aims to support Tinubu's re-election in 2027. Wike described Fubara as an active participant in the coalition, citing his unveiling of the coalition's candidates in Rivers State as proof of his engagement. This development contradicts claims that Fubara had lost his place in the political arrangement.
Wike also clarified that Fubara was not excluded from the selection process of the coalition's candidates. He explained that the coalition's common objective of supporting Tinubu allows members to maintain different preferences in other contests. This, according to Wike, means that supporting Tinubu does not require participants to vote for every All Progressives Congress candidate in legislative elections.
The rift between Wike and Fubara has been a subject of discussion in Rivers State politics. Wike served as Rivers governor before Fubara succeeded him and later joined Tinubu's administration as FCT minister. Their disagreement led to a division among political supporters and members of the state House of Assembly. The dispute escalated in October 2023, with rival legislative camps aligning themselves with the governor and his predecessor.
President Tinubu intervened at different stages to resolve the confrontation between Wike and Fubara. In March 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly for six months. They returned to office in September 2025, although disagreements between the political camps persisted. Recent reconciliation efforts have brought representatives of both sides into consultations.
In a recent move to foster unity, Fubara hosted Wike, APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda, and their supporters at his residence for a closed-door meeting. Wike has also met supporters of the governor to seek their participation in Tinubu's campaign. He aims to place Rivers among the three states delivering the highest number of votes for Tinubu in 2027, which could help the state secure further federal appointments and development projects.
Key points
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike believes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara could receive a ministerial appointment in future.
- Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara's political opportunities would end after his tenure as governor.
- Fubara's involvement in the Rainbow Coalition is evidence of his continued relevance in the political landscape.
