Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to political actors eyeing influence in Rivers State politics, declaring that no sitting governor from anywhere will be allowed to “make” or impose any leader in the state as long as he remains alive.
Wike made the declaration last night during a high-level stakeholder meeting he hosted with members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Rivers State.
The meeting, which took place at Wike’s residence in Abuja, brought together key political stakeholders and delegates from the two major parties in what appeared to be a strategic gathering ahead of future political permutations in the oil-rich state.
Speaking emphatically, the former Rivers State governor asserted his continued dominance in the state’s political landscape. He warned against any external interference, particularly from governors who may be plotting to install their preferred candidates in Rivers State.
“No governor will come to Rivers State and make anybody in my state while I’m still alive,” Wike stated firmly, according to sources at the meeting.
The outspoken FCT Minister’s comment is seen as a direct response to ongoing political manoeuvrings and perceived attempts by some governors and interested parties to influence the 2027 governorship succession battle in Rivers State, where his long-standing rivalry with Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to shape the narrative.
Wike, who has maintained a strong grip on Rivers politics even after leaving office, used the occasion to rally stakeholders across party lines, signalling that his political structure remains formidable and intolerant of external control.
The cross-party meeting has sparked reactions, with observers noting Wike’s growing influence beyond traditional PDP lines, especially as he continues to align closely with the APC-led federal government while retaining control over significant PDP structures in Rivers.
Further details of the closed-door meeting are still emerging, but Wike’s latest outburst underscores the tense political atmosphere in Rivers State as actors begin positioning themselves for the post-Fubara era.
Political analysts believe the statement is aimed at sending a clear message to both local and national players: Wike remains the ultimate decider in Rivers politics, at least for now.
