Wike Breaks Silence, Explains Fubara’s Withdrawal From 2027 Rivers Race

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the decision of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to previously obtain nomination forms for the governorship contest, describing it as inconsistent with the understanding reached during reconciliation efforts. ValidViewNetwork reports that he said the action complicated peace discussions that were meant to stabilise the political environment in Rivers State.

Wike stated that the agreement reached among political actors included dropping impeachment moves against the governor, while also excluding any plan for a second term ambition. He argued that going ahead to pick nomination forms contradicted the spirit of the arrangement and created tension within the reconciliation process.

He further said the governor’s earlier conduct did not reflect what he described as proper political restraint, despite several interventions aimed at restoring calm in the state.

According to him, “I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

He added that the withdrawal confirms the direction of the earlier understanding, noting that political developments have now taken a clearer shape.

“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he stated.

Wike also expressed confidence in Kingsley Chinda, describing him as a strong contender for the governorship position and praising his experience across different arms of government.

“The minister added, ‘A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material. He is quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.’”

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He further suggested that Chinda possesses the political exposure required for higher responsibility, citing his background in both legislative and executive engagement.

The unfolding comments have added fresh dimension to the political conversation in Rivers State, where reconciliation efforts and succession plans remain closely watched by stakeholders.

ValidViewNetwork had earlier reported that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stepped down from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary, maintaining that his decision followed consultations and was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state. Siminalayi Fubara stated in a formal declaration titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries” that the move came after careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.

In the statement, Fubara emphasized that his action was guided by a broader responsibility to preserve harmony, even as political expectations and ambitions remain high across the state.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the situation has intensified political discussions in Rivers State, with attention now shifting to how emerging candidates and alliances will influence the direction of the 2027 governorship contest.