Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued one of his strongest warnings yet to political opponents, declaring that Rivers State remains off-limits to external interference and boasting of his unmatched ability to shape political outcomes in the state.
Speaking during a “Thank You” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area on Monday, Wike dismissed criticisms of his political influence and coalition strategy, warning that anyone who attempts to meddle in Rivers politics does so at their own peril.
“Leave Rivers State alone,” Wike said bluntly. “Those who tried it before should be asked how far they went. If you put your hand there and it gets burnt, that is your concern.”
His remarks come amid renewed controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over leadership and influence in Rivers State, particularly arguments over who controls the party’s structure. Wike appeared to respond directly to comments credited to APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who suggested that party leadership at the state level naturally rests with the sitting governor.
Rejecting that view, Wike insisted that Rivers State does not follow conventional political scripts and challenged his critics to replicate what he described as an unprecedented political arrangement.
“Let anyone who thinks it is easy come out and unite two major political parties in one state,” he said. “This is the only place where you see the APC and PDP working together. If you have the capacity, try it elsewhere.”
Beyond the rhetoric, Wike framed the alliance between the APC and PDP in Rivers as a strategic correction of what he called the “mistakes” of the 2023 elections, stressing that the recalibration must happen “now or never,” regardless of the political cost.
Turning to the 2027 elections, Wike openly called on the Oyigbo people to repeat the support they gave him and President Bola Tinubu in 2023, arguing that their earlier decision—though risky—had already yielded political dividends.
“Nobody forced us,” he said. “We made a choice. When the pressure came, those who pushed him ran away. We stood our ground.”
The event also doubled as a platform for Wike’s loyalists to attack the current Rivers State administration. Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, accused the government of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of neglecting Oyigbo since Wike left office, predicting that the governor would lose re-election.
Other speakers, including Oyigbo council chairman Okechukwu Akara Nworgu and former officials from the area, pledged continued loyalty to Wike, describing him as the political force holding the area together.
Taken together, the visit underscored Wike’s message: despite leaving Government House, his influence in Rivers State remains firm, his political network intact, and his resolve to shape the 2027 contest unmistakable.
Wike Draws Battle Lines in Rivers, Dares Opponents to Test His Political Grip
