Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has openly responded to recent remarks credited to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, concerning political realignments involving supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Governor Fubara, while speaking at a New Year banquet held in Port Harcourt, stated that some notable political figures who previously aligned with Atiku Abubakar have now shifted their loyalty in his direction and are also backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Fubara, individuals such as Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Alabo Abiye Sekibo, and former Rivers State Governor Sir Celestine Omehia are currently supporting his administration and President Tinubu. However, Wike dismissed the political relevance of the claim, insisting that those mentioned failed to make any meaningful impact during the 2023 presidential election. He argued that their influence was minimal and did not significantly contribute to Atiku Abubakar’s electoral performance in Rivers State. Speaking during an engagement in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike maintained that the political strength of those individuals is being exaggerated. He emphasized that they were unable to secure even 10 percent of the total votes for Atiku during the last presidential contest. Wike questioned the strategic value of presenting such figures as major political assets, stressing that their past electoral performance speaks for itself. According to him, the claim that they now command strong political influence does not align with the voting outcome recorded in 2023. In the same address, the former Rivers State governor reassured President Bola Tinubu of unwavering support ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He stated clearly that his political camp would work tirelessly to ensure that the president receives the level of backing necessary to secure victory when the time comes. Without mentioning names directly, Wike noted that the political actors in question are well known and that their previous inability to mobilize voters makes their current alignment insignificant in determining future electoral outcomes. He reiterated his commitment to mobilizing solid grassroots and institutional support for Tinubu. Beyond electoral matters, Wike also reacted strongly to comments made by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Mbata, who reportedly referred to him as a semi-illiterate. Wike described the statement as unnecessary and misleading but said he felt compelled to respond. He countered the remark by highlighting his academic background, explaining that while Mbata reportedly dropped out of Rivers State University during his law studies, he himself successfully completed his education at the University of Port Harcourt, proceeded to law school, and later attained the status of a Life Bencher. Wike further emphasized that despite being labeled a “semi-illiterate,” he currently holds the fourth highest national honour in Nigeria, a recognition he said reflects his contributions to national development and public service.
