The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hinted at a fresh political contest in Rivers State ahead of 2026, declaring that political activities would resume in January despite claims of a peace deal between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike’s remarks have further fueled speculations that the lingering political crisis in the state may not be completely resolved and could take a new turn in the coming year.
The former Rivers State governor made the declaration on Saturday while addressing stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
The minister spoke shortly after the annual thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche, held in Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA.
Addressing his supporters, Wike stated unequivocally that political engagement would restart in the new year.
“And we are going forward from January next year. Let me inform you, we will start politics. Let me inform you, we will start what, politics,” he said.
Wike also used the occasion to criticise individuals he accused of benefiting from the sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections without openly supporting President Bola Tinubu at the time.
According to him, when the political climate was tense during the electioneering period, many failed to publicly identify with Tinubu’s mandate.
“In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out to say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.
But we did it, when it was tough for people to say on your mandate we stand. We stood firm and said on your mandate we stand.
“And to the glory of God, we stood and on your mandate we stand today is very strong.
“So you are the ones who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.”
He questioned the loyalty of those who have recently begun praising the President and claiming support for his administration.
Wike queried those now declaring allegiance to the President, asking where they were when support was most needed during the elections.
He said such individuals neither openly declared support for Tinubu nor mobilised their followers to vote for him at the critical moment.
The minister, however, did not mention names but assured his supporters that their sacrifices during the 2023 electioneering process would not be in vain.
Addressing concerns surrounding the much-publicised peace deal in Rivers State, Wike stressed that he would not be part of any agreement that could not be honoured.
“You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement. Agreement is what, agreement,” he said.
“Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Don’t enter into it.
“Nobody can use us to say let me say yes I agree, later. No, you can’t do that. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.”
He maintained that those now making loud political claims only surfaced after the battle had been won.
“If we did not shout that time and stand firm, will they have shouted now?” he asked.
Wike stated that he has never hidden his political stance, noting that he has become one of the most criticised politicians in Nigeria largely because of his insistence on honouring agreements.
He reaffirmed his continued support for President Tinubu, insisting that he and his political allies remain committed to the President’s mandate.
The FCT minister thanked the people of Ahoada for their loyalty and support over the years, assuring them that there was no cause for alarm.
According to him, the time to speak further would come at the appropriate moment.
The Thanksgiving ceremony was attended by several political heavyweights, including Senators Magnus Abe, Philip Aduda, Wilson Ake and Olaka Wogu.
Others present were ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra, among others.