Aniefiok Christopher
Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara are set for high-stakes battle over the political control of the state.
Wike, a factional Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and serving as a Minister under the ruling All Progressives Congress of President Bola Tinubu administration is battle ready to control the soul of Rivers.
Leading 27 members in Rivers State House of Assembly, Wike’s camp plotted twice to impeach the Governor Fubara, but the plans fell on sandy soil.
At first, Federal Government after National Assembly’s declaration of emergency rule sent Governor Fubara, his Deputy and members of the House of Assembly rested for six months.
With the political chest shown by Wike, analysts feared that he had pulled out a plug from the sleeves to stop Fubara from seeking a second term.
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Indications from the camps of Wike and Fubara prove that upsets await Wike’s camp following the collection and submission of APC nomination form for governorship race.
Already, 27 lawmakers who defected from PDP to the APC in December 2023 are living political wilderness,
Though Wike had assumed himself as the political leader of Rivers State, information shows that Wike appears to be floating on the political water.
More upsets are awaiting Wike as Fubara does not openly talk about his strategies to grab power again to the shock of many.
Despite the fact that President Tinubu had severally settled the rift between Wike and Fubara, the President pulled out a surprise slug weeks ago by announcing that State Governors under the APC leadership holds the ace to the successful nomination of political office seekers, an announcement that rattled political enemies of governors.
Before now, Wike had consciously walked into some banana peels that might not allow him to have a smooth ride in replacing Fubara without blinking eyes.
The FCT Minister had clashed with APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru who told him that he belongs to PDP not APC, a clear signal to the fact he lacks the power to make any decision for the party.
Moreover, Wike is said to have walked into the ‘lion’s den’ by sponsoring Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Supreme Court dethroned PDP National Secretary, to become a governor in Imo State.
Insider confided in Straightnews that Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), picked offence over what some political analysts see as ‘Wike’s insult’ against him, started digging a pit for the FCT Minister.
Apart from Uzodimma backing Fubara for a second term, he has successfully mobilized members of Progressives Governors Forum to support Fubara just to shame Wike and reduce his political influence in Rivers and at the centre.
Information from Rivers indicates that Wike’s camp is under pressure following the fact that Fubara has moved in alone, collected nomination form, filled and submitted same without Wike’s inputs.
According to the source, Fubara’s camp has reportedly concluded plans to unveil a strategic Deputy Governorship candidate capable of shaking the very foundation of Wike’s political stronghold.
Fubara’s second-term ambition is no longer a debate as signals are clear that he is firmly in control in dictating the political direction, especially with growing influence within the APC structure.
His loyalists are said to have put their house in order, waiting for Wike’s next move.
Reports opine that Wike is backing Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda as his preferred PDP candidate— both Chinda and Wike come from Obio-Akpor, an Ikwerre dominated area.
It is clear that Wike is thrown into political desert to roam alone following Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the dismissal of his right hand man- Anyanwu.
The chasm created is that the party has no Secretary to endorse any nomination form, except both factions come together to form a Caretaker Committee to address the impasse facing the ghosted party.
That same-zone strategy may not sit well with voters seeking balance and broader representation across Rivers State.
Fubara’s camp appears to be thinking ahead. The plan is to counter with a younger, more dynamic deputy candidate who can neutralize Wike’s influence and appeal to a wider demographic. Names like Ambassador Chijioke, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati, and Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie are already being mentioned.
If Wike eventually settles for Chinda, insiders say Ambassador Chijioke is the likely deputy pick — a move that could strategically disrupt Wike’s traditional base and introduce fresh political energy into the race.
But beyond candidate selection, cracks are beginning to show in Wike’s camp.
Take Martin Amaewhule, for example. There are growing whispers about his loyalty. It’s alleged he was once promised the governorship ticket by Wike — a promise that never materialized. Now, he appears politically stranded, relying on Fubara’s goodwill for survival. That’s a significant shift in power dynamics.
Even more telling is how control over party structures and candidate nominations is gradually slipping away from Wike. With Fubara gaining influence and key alliances strengthening, decisions that once revolved around Wike are no longer solely his to make.
Add to that the reported attempt by Wike to influence succession politics in Imo State by pushing Senator Samuel Anyanwu — a move many see as overreach.
The reality is this: Wike is no longer operating in a one-man-controlled structure. He now has multiple fronts to battle — internal dissent, shifting loyalties, and a rising opponent who is consolidating power quietly but effectively.
This is no longer politics as usual in Rivers State. It’s a full-scale contest for control, influence, and survival.
The big questions now: Can Wike still command the same loyalty he once did?
However, Gov Fubara is alleged to have secretly endorsed 32 aspirants for Rivers State Assembly Elections.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strong indication of the governor’s preferred candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections, includes such key allies as Victor Oko Jumbo, Chijioke Ihunwo, and several others loyal to the Fubara administration.
