The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has formally withdrawn its backing for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared its support for Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, marking a notable realignment in Rivers State politics.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Congress chairman, Senator George Sekibo, during Wike’s thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area. Sekibo said the decision followed longstanding gratitude for Wike’s support in the emergence of Fubara and other Ijaw leaders.
“Please don’t look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people,” Sekibo said, explaining the shift in allegiance. “That is why we have abandoned him and decided to follow you. You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do.”
The chairman’s remarks were echoed by the Okrika Local Government Council chairman, Mr Akuro Tobin, who described Wike as his political godfather and credited him with supporting many local residents into elective and appointive positions. Tobin assured Wike that men, women and youths of the council area were solidly behind him and President Bola Tinubu.
Wike loyalty strengthens local political realignment
Speaking for Okrika women, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and representative of Okrika Constituency, Mrs Linda Stewart, praised Wike’s initiatives on women’s empowerment and prayed for continued success in his work.
Wike thanked the gathering for their support and reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who keeps his promises. He urged residents to back leaders with integrity, character and a trustworthy record, and to remain engaged in local affairs constructively.
During the visit, the minister also paid a courtesy call on the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, commending him for maintaining unity and peace in his domain. Wike used the opportunity to request that traditional rulers avoid direct partisan activity and instead provide moral guidance to their communities.
Wike indicated that a decision concerning the 2027 general elections had already been taken and promised that details would be made public in due course. The remark underlined the minister’s growing influence in state politics and suggested a coordinated approach between his supporters and the federal administration.
Political analysts say the Ijaw Congress’s public shift is significant in a state long shaped by factional rivalries. The move consolidates Wike’s local base and signals closer alignment with the federal government under President Tinubu, which may reshape candidate selection and campaign dynamics ahead of 2027.
For supporters, the realignment offers clearer lines of political accountability and a promise of continued advocacy for local interests at the federal level. For rivals, it poses a strategic challenge that could prompt further coalition-building across Rivers State’s diverse communities.
As events unfold, attention will focus on how this pledge of support affects governance in Rivers and whether similar shifts may occur among other local groups. Observers will also watch for the specifics of the 2027 plans Wike said have been decided, and how those plans are conveyed to stakeholders across the state.
Key Takeaways:
- Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress withdraws support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and pledges allegiance to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, signalling a significant local political shift.
- Leaders in Okrika praised Wike for empowering locals and promised continued support for President Bola Tinubu.
- Wike reiterated his loyalty to President Tinubu and hinted that decisions on the 2027 elections have been made and will be announced later.
