Wike Believe's Rivers State Will not Have Fubara as a Governor in 2027

Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has warned that allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara to win a second term in 2027 would amount to a “political burial” for him and his allies. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika on January 3, 2026, Wike said: “If we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried.” He added that a firm decision has been taken to block Fubara’s re‑election bid, emphasizing that supporting President Bola Tinubu does not guarantee Fubara’s success. Wike also accused Fubara of violating earlier peace agreements and of lacking the ability to relate with local government and legislative leaders, framing the governor’s leadership as a “mistake” that must be corrected before 2027 
Wike’s remarks come amid a heated feud that escalated after Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025. While the APC has confirmed Fubara as the party leader in Rivers and signaled openness to his second‑term bid, Wike has intensified his criticism, urging supporters to rally behind Tinubu instead. The minister’s statements suggest he will actively oppose Fubara’s campaign, positioning the 2027 election as a decisive showdown between the two political heavyweights.
Follow‑up questions you might find useful:- What specific actions is Wike planning to take to block Fubara’s second‑term bid?- How have other Rivers State stakeholders responded to Wike’s “political burial” warning?- What impact could this rivalry have on the broader political landscape in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections?