Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was never expected to contest for a second term under agreements reached during efforts to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.
Wike made the disclosure on Monday while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
According to the former Rivers State governor, part of the understanding reached among political stakeholders was that impeachment moves against Fubara would be dropped, while the governor would also abandon any ambition for re-election.
“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.
The FCT minister argued that Fubara’s decision to obtain governorship nomination forms created fresh complications in the peace process and heightened political tension within the state.
Wike stated that several actions taken during the crisis did not align with the spirit of the reconciliation efforts brokered by influential political stakeholders.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” the minister added.
Governor Fubara had recently announced his withdrawal from the Rivers State governorship primary, saying the decision followed extensive consultations and was made in the interest of peace, unity and stability.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor explained that he reached the decision after discussions with family members, political associates and supporters.
The political conflict between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics for months, triggering deep divisions within the ruling political structure.
The power struggle also fuelled impeachment threats, factional alignments and growing uncertainty over governance in the oil-rich state.
Supporters of both camps have remained sharply divided as political negotiations continue behind the scenes to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Wike’s latest comments are expected to intensify political debate over the future of Rivers State politics ahead of the next election cycle.
