ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, distancing himself from speculations surrounding the race.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike stated that any endorsement would only come after consultations within a coalition involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state.
“I have not endorsed anybody and I cannot do so until the coalition meets,” he said, hinting at ongoing political coordination across party lines.
The former Rivers State governor disclosed that the alliance draws support from both PDP and APC loyalists, describing it as a deliberate strategy ahead of future political battles in the state.
He, however, made it clear that the coalition is not aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, signalling a deepening divide between both camps.
Wike accused the governor of reneging on an agreement reached with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly during a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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According to him, the understanding led to the withdrawal of impeachment proceedings against Fubara, but was not honoured afterward.
“The Assembly withdrew the impeachment in the presence of the President, but after that, the governor changed position,” Wike said, expressing frustration over the development.
The rift between Wike and Fubara has persisted since the latter assumed office in 2023, despite Wike’s role in supporting his emergence as governor.
The political crisis escalated when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, initiated impeachment moves against the governor.
The situation prompted federal intervention, leading to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly, before a reconciliation meeting restored normalcy months later.
Despite the truce, Wednesday’s remarks indicate that tensions remain unresolved, with both sides continuing to reposition ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.