Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State cost Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, the opportunity to seek a second term, blaming the development on what he described as poor advice from political associates and external interests determined to seize control of the state.
Speaking during his monthly media chat aired on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike said he repeatedly warned Fubara against dismantling the political structure that brought him to power.
“I said, look, don’t derail. Somebody had laid a foundation. Look, this is where I stopped. If you continue this way, our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos. What is wrong with that?” Wike queried.
BusinessDay reports that the rift between Wike and Fubara erupted shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, escalating into a prolonged political crisis that culminated in President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers in 2025.
Following his reinstatement, Fubara later joined the APC, withdrew from the 2026 governorship primary race, and subsequently endorsed the candidate backed by the Wike-led political family ahead of the 2027 election.
