“All those shouting on your mandate we stand, should be reminded that my camp shouted first” — Wike struggles ‘first to support Tinubu’ position with Fubara’s camp

The political atmosphere in Rivers State appears set for renewed turbulence as indications emerge that the much-publicised truce between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara may be far from a permanent resolution.

Fresh comments by the former Rivers governor have reignited underlying rivalries, particularly over loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and claims of who truly stood by the President when it mattered most during the 2023 general elections.

On Saturday, Wike openly declared that full-scale political activities would resume in Rivers State from January 2026, a statement widely interpreted as a signal that the current uneasy calm in the state’s political space may soon give way to intense manoeuvring. The announcement was made during a briefing with political stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas, shortly after a thanksgiving ceremony organised in honour of the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA.

The event, which drew several high-profile political figures, provided Wike with a platform not only to rally his supporters but also to issue pointed remarks aimed at those he accused of attempting to reap political benefits from sacrifices they did not make during the last election cycle. Without mentioning names, the FCT minister took aim at individuals and political camps that have recently begun publicly aligning themselves with President Tinubu’s mandate.

According to Wike, when the political climate was tense and supporting Tinubu came with significant risks, many of those now loudly proclaiming loyalty were conspicuously silent. He insisted that he and his political structure were among the earliest and most vocal supporters of the President, particularly at a time when such support was unpopular in Rivers State and across parts of the South-South.

“In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out and say, ‘Vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’” Wike told the gathering. “But we did it. When it was tough for people to say ‘on your mandate we stand,’ we stood firm and said it.”

The former governor stressed that the strength of Tinubu’s mandate in Rivers State today was built on the sacrifices of those who openly declared their position when it mattered most. He questioned the credibility of those who are now praising the President and claiming to be defenders of his mandate, asking pointedly where they were during the heat of the electioneering period.

“If we did not shout that time and stand firm, will they have shouted now?” Wike asked rhetorically, drawing applause from his supporters.

While Wike did not explicitly mention Governor Fubara or members of his camp, the undertone of his remarks has fueled speculation that the comments were directed at political actors aligned with the current Rivers State administration, some of whom have recently been projecting themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu. This has revived debates within the state over who can legitimately claim to be the “first to defect” or the earliest supporter of the President’s successful 2023 bid.

The rivalry is particularly sensitive given the fragile peace brokered months ago between Wike and Fubara following a prolonged political crisis that nearly paralysed governance in Rivers State. That crisis, which played out publicly through the State House of Assembly and within party structures, had raised concerns about political stability and the smooth running of government in the oil-rich state.

Wike’s latest comments suggest that, despite public assurances of reconciliation, deep-seated mistrust and unresolved political ambitions remain. His emphasis on loyalty, sacrifice, and honouring agreements appeared to be a veiled warning that any peace deal not rooted in sincerity and commitment would not endure.

“You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement,” Wike said firmly. “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.”

Political analysts see this insistence on agreements as a subtle reference to the contested power-sharing arrangements and political understandings that followed Fubara’s emergence as governor. Since taking office, Fubara has gradually asserted his independence, a move that has strained his relationship with Wike, who played a decisive role in his rise to power.

By declaring that political activities would formally resume in January 2026, Wike has also sent a strong signal that he intends to remain a central figure in Rivers politics, despite his current role in the federal cabinet. His statement has heightened speculation that alignments and realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle may already be underway, with loyalty to President Tinubu emerging as a key bargaining chip.

Wike reaffirmed that he and his supporters would continue to stand by the President, regardless of criticism. He described himself as one of the most criticised politicians in the country, attributing the backlash he faces to his refusal to compromise on agreements and his willingness to take unpopular political positions.

“I have never hidden my political position in Nigeria,” he said, assuring his audience that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He urged his supporters not to be distracted by what he described as opportunistic loyalty displays from others, adding that those who truly mattered had already proven themselves.

The minister also used the occasion to thank the people of Ahoada for their long-standing support, urging them to remain calm amid the political noise. He assured them that there was no cause for fear and that his camp would speak more forcefully “at the appropriate time,” a comment that many interpreted as a promise of further political engagement in the coming months.

The thanksgiving ceremony itself underscored Wike’s enduring influence, with several political heavyweights in attendance. Among them were Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Philip Aduda, Senator Wilson Ake, and Senator Olaka Wogu. Also present were ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra, and other notable figures, reflecting the breadth of Wike’s political network across party and regional lines.

As Rivers State looks ahead to 2026, it is increasingly clear that the contest for political relevance, influence, and legitimacy is far from over. Wike’s renewed assertiveness and his subtle challenge to rival camps over who truly stood with President Tinubu have reopened old wounds and set the stage for another chapter in the state’s complex political drama. Whether the fragile peace with Governor Fubara can survive this renewed rhetoric remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for Rivers State’s political soul is once again gathering momentum.