The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hinted at a renewed political battle in Rivers State ahead of 2026, declaring that political activities would resume in earnest from January next year while insisting that all political agreements must be honoured.
Wike’s remarks have further fuelled speculation that the protracted political crisis in Rivers State — and the much-publicised peace deal between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara — may be far from over, despite repeated assurances of reconciliation.
Speaking on Saturday during a briefing with stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, the former Rivers governor said the time had come to re-engage politically, warning that he would not tolerate betrayal or selective loyalty.
The briefing followed a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chief Chibudom Nwuche, at Ochigba community in Ahoada East LGA, where Wike addressed a gathering of supporters and political allies.
Without mentioning names, the FCT minister took a swipe at politicians he accused of enjoying the benefits of sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections, particularly in Rivers State, while failing to show courage when it mattered most.
According to him, supporting President Bola Tinubu during the election period required political bravery, which many now professing loyalty lacked at the time.
“In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out and say, ‘vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’” Wike said. “But we did it when it was tough to say, ‘on your mandate we stand.’ We stood firm, and today, that mandate is very strong in Rivers State.”
He questioned the sudden emergence of political actors now loudly declaring support for the President, asking where they were when open mobilisation was required during the heat of the campaign.
“Those shouting ‘on your mandate we stand’ today, where were they in 2023?” he asked. “If we did not shout then and stand firm, would they be shouting now?”
Wike assured his supporters that their sacrifices would not be forgotten, stressing that loyalty and consistency would ultimately be rewarded.
He also made it clear that political engagement would intensify from January 2026. “We are going forward from January next year. Let me inform you, we will start politics,” he declared, drawing cheers from the audience.
Reinforcing his long-held stance on political loyalty, Wike emphasised the sanctity of agreements, warning that he would not be part of any arrangement that could not be fulfilled.
“You know me; agreement is agreement,” he said. “Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Don’t enter into it. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.”
The minister noted that his uncompromising position on agreements had earned him criticism across the country, but insisted he had never hidden his political stance.
“I have become one of the most criticised politicians in Nigeria because I refuse to play double games,” he said, reaffirming his continued support for President Tinubu and his administration.
Thanking the people of Ahoada for their steadfast backing over the years, Wike urged them not to be worried by ongoing political tensions, assuring that they had nothing to fear and that the appropriate time to speak further would come.
The event was attended by several political heavyweights, including Senators Magnus Abe, Philip Aduda, Wilson Ake and Olaka Wogu, as well as ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra and other prominent figures.
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