Rivers Crisis: Wike Reveals Why Fubara Was Not Backed For Second Term

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has explained why his political camp decided not to support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term, saying the decision was driven by concerns over political relevance and alleged attempts by outsiders to control the state.

Wike made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a media chat in which he discussed the political crisis that damaged his relationship with Fubara.

The former Rivers governor said there was initially an agreement between both camps to put their differences aside and work together. However, he said a fundamental political development later changed the situation.

According to Wike, his allies feared that continuing along that path would make them politically irrelevant in Rivers State.

He also alleged that external forces were seeking to “hijack” the state because of its political and economic importance, describing Rivers as a “cash cow.”

Wike said his camp therefore concluded that it had to protect its political structure and influence in the state.

The minister stressed that the decision was reached after consultations among his political allies and was not taken lightly.