Wike: Fubara’s 2nd Term Will Bury Me Politically

Beatrice Gondye

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s re-election would mark the end of his own political relevance, vowing to mobilise all forces to prevent it.

Addressing stakeholders in Okrika on Saturday, Wike described the 2027 governorship election as a matter of political survival. “I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again,” he stated, referring to his role in Fubara’s initial rise to power.

The FCT Minister’s comments signify a point of no return in the feud with his erstwhile protégé. He revealed that a firm decision had been made to chart a new course for the state. “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one — no way,” Wike said, sharply separating support for President Bola Tinubu from backing for Governor Fubara. “Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically… So everybody should know we have made a decision.”

This stance builds on his earlier promise this week to “correct” what he termed a “leadership mistake” in Rivers State, with a pledge to later reveal details of the peace pact that briefly stabilised the state.

At a previous meeting in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA on Friday, Wike directly challenged the narrative that aligning with President Tinubu would secure Fubara’s second term.

“If you played well with the first one and succeeded, do you think you can succeed with the second one? There cannot be two markets in one day,” he argued, employing a local proverb to suggest past political strategies would not work twice. He warned supporters against complacency, saying, “So, whoever is assuring you that everything will be fine once you sign on your mandate, you are mistaken.”

While reaffirming loyalty to the presidency—“All of us have decided to work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no discussion about that”—Wike was categorical about the state-level battle. “Of course, you know we won’t make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct the mistake.”

Wike also launched an attack on Fubara’s governance, questioning his capacity to lead. “Someone who cannot relate with the local government chairmen, state assembly members and national assembly members — what kind of leadership do you want to provide?” he asked rhetorically.

He saved a pointed rebuke for Fubara’s recent dismissal of his critiques as “noise,” reminding all of his kingmaker role. “I made him governor even when he was not popular among the people,” Wike asserted, underscoring the depth of the perceived betrayal.

The minister’s latest outburst follows Fubara’s defection to the APC last month, which Wike claims breached the terms of their earlier peace agreement.