Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has explained why his political camp decided not to support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term.
He said the decision was based on the need to protect their political future and prevent outside interests from taking control of the state.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a media chat while speaking about the political crisis that has strained his relationship with Fubara.
The former Rivers State governor said there was a period when both camps agreed to put their disagreements behind them and move forward peacefully.
However, he said new political developments later changed their position.
According to Wike, members of his political group believed that allowing events to continue in that direction could weaken their influence and leave them without a strong place in Rivers State politics.
He also claimed that some individuals outside the state were making efforts to gain control of Rivers State because of its political and economic value.
Wike said his camp believed it was necessary to stop such attempts in order to protect the state’s political structure.
The minister said the decision was not taken lightly but followed discussions among political allies who believed they needed to safeguard their relevance and prevent outsiders from taking over the affairs of the state.
He said: “There was a time we all agreed to let bygones be bygones, but something fundamental came up in politics. We all met and said if we allow this, there are those who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant. There are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. We should not allow them to hijack Rivers State. They are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow.”
