Wike Denies Rift with Fubara, Says Real Fight Is with ‘Manipulative Politicians’

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed reports suggesting a sustained political feud with Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike insisted that his disagreement was not with Fubara personally but with what he described as “dishonest and manipulative politicians” influencing the governor against him.

“That one is not a battle. He [Fubara] is my boy, he is my son; why would I fight with him?” Wike said. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they didn’t work for. When you don’t defeat them, they think they’re winning—so you defeat them completely. Now, they’re ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

The fallout between Wike and Fubara dates back to 2023, rooted in a power struggle over control of Rivers State’s political structure. The conflict escalated to a full-blown crisis, prompting President Bola Tinubu to impose a six-month suspension on Fubara and declare a state of emergency in the state.

Following this, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State. One of Ibas’ first actions was the suspension of all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

On 2027 Presidential Ambition

Wike also addressed growing speculation that he was eyeing the 2027 presidential ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should the party zone the candidacy to the South.

He denied having any such ambition, stating that he would not contest against President Tinubu, whom he described as “his leader.”

“I will not contest. Why would I run against someone I’m working for?” Wike said.

When asked whether he believed Tinubu could secure re-election in 2027, Wike expressed strong confidence: “Absolutely. There’s no one in the opposition strong enough to challenge him.”

He added, “They said they’ll zone [the ticket] to the South. Let them zone it first. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”

Recent Reconciliation Efforts

Wike confirmed that Fubara recently visited him in what appeared to be a reconciliatory move.

“Yes, he came with two governors and another person. Unfortunately, the two governors are from the APC. I didn’t pursue him. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too,” Wike stated during a media briefing on Monday