In a thinly veiled jab widely interpreted as directed at Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday warned that mere alignment with President Bola Tinubu would not guarantee political tickets ahead of future elections.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Wike made the remarks while addressing stakeholders during a visit to Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he dismissed what he described as “emergency supporters” of President Tinubu, insisting that loyalty shown only after political victories would not be rewarded.
According to the former Rivers governor, his political camp stood firmly with Tinubu when support for the President was risky and unpopular, unlike those now publicly declaring allegiance.
“So the issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu. That one, we have taken too long. Tinubu’s issue is not an issue again,” Wike said. “Nobody should come here and say today, ‘I am for Tinubu, I am against you.’ That cannot give you any ticket.”
He further stressed that political agreements in Rivers State must be respected, warning that last-minute endorsements would not override prior arrangements.
“In Rivers, agreement is agreement. Becoming an emergency singer of ‘on your mandate we shall stand’ will not help anybody,” he said.
Wike highlighted the role of the Ikwerre ethnic group in Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory in Rivers State, noting that their votes were decisive at a time when many doubted the President’s chances.
“In 2023, when it was difficult and people didn’t know Mr President would emerge, all of us from Ikwerre took the risk,” he said. “You know people when things are tough, not when the food is ready.”
The minister also reiterated his longstanding position that the South should complete its eight-year tenure in the presidency, regardless of party affiliation, adding that he openly supported Tinubu while still a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The remarks come amid lingering political tension in Rivers State following Governor Fubara’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a prolonged crisis that led to federal intervention, including a brief declaration of a state of emergency.
Political observers view Wike’s comments as a direct response to Fubara’s move into the APC fold, where the governor has positioned himself as a key Tinubu ally in the state. Critics argue that Fubara’s support for the President emerged only after the political crisis subsided, in contrast to Wike’s early backing during the 2023 election.
Despite holding a federal appointment, Wike has remained a dominant political force in Rivers State and appeared to signal that loyalty demonstrated under pressure—not opportunistic alignment—would determine who gets political rewards, including governorship tickets, ahead of the 2027 elections.
@thenigerialawyer“Supporting Tinubu Cannot Give You Any Ticket, That One We Have Taken Too Long” — Wike Takes Veiled Jab at Fubara♬ original sound – TheNigeriaLawyer
Videos of the speech, recorded at an event in Rumuche, Emohua, quickly went viral on social media, with many users describing it as a “cryptic message” aimed squarely at Governor Fubara.
As of press time, neither the Rivers State Government nor Governor Fubara’s camp had issued an official response. However, the comments underscore that the rift between Wike and Fubara, though previously subdued by presidential-brokered peace efforts, remains unresolved as the 2027 political season approaches.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount
The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount.
Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels:
Phone: 0704 329 3271
Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore
Website: www.akabogulaw.com
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
_______________________________________________________________________
