Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has firmly declared that he and his political allies will not back Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s bid for a second term in 2027, warning that such support would amount to “political suicide” for his camp.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike described Fubara’s emergence in 2023 as a “leadership mistake” that must not be repeated. “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned.

The other one [Fubara] — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried,” he stated emphatically.

The minister, who played a pivotal role in Fubara’s 2023 gubernatorial victory, accused the governor of poor leadership, citing his alleged inability to maintain cordial relations with local government chairmen, state assembly members, and National Assembly representatives.

“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?” Wike questioned.

Wike’s remarks come amid renewed hostilities following Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025, a move seen as bolstering his second-term ambitions. The minister further alleged that Fubara breached a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which facilitated the lifting of emergency rule in the state and the governor’s reinstatement.

While pledging unwavering support for President Tinubu’s re-election, Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s alignment with the APC would automatically secure his re-election. “Supporting Tinubu won’t save Fubara,” he said during earlier engagements in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and other local government areas.

The escalating feud has fractured ethnic and political alignments in the oil-rich state. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has endorsed Fubara for a second term, praising his people-centered policies, while the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress withdrew support from the governor, pledging loyalty to Wike.

APC national leaders have expressed backing for Fubara as a sitting governor, with the party’s National Secretary stating that no APC governor would be frustrated. However, Wike’s influence within the party’s Rivers structures remains significant, setting the stage for a fierce intra-party battle ahead of 2027.

Political observers note that the rift, rooted in control over party structures and resources, continues to dominate Rivers politics, with both sides mobilizing grassroots support.

As consultations and alignments intensify, the outcome could reshape power dynamics in the Niger Delta region.