The political rivalry between Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has taken a dramatic turn. In a recent statement, Wike expressed his shock and disappointment over Fubara’s actions, accusing him of revealing his true nature too soon after benefiting from Wike’s support in the race for the governorship seat.
Wike, who helped Fubara ascend to the governorship position in 2023, made his feelings clear during an interview, stating that Fubara’s actions have taken him by surprise. According to Wike, the betrayal came much earlier than he expected, leaving him stunned at how quickly Fubara had shown his true colors.
“I have never seen anything like this before. Fubara surprised me too early,” Wike said. “You don’t just do things like this. It’s too soon. I have never seen this happen anywhere.”
Wike’s remarks reflect the growing tension between the two political figures, once closely aligned in the struggle for power in Rivers State. The fallout between them is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about political sagas in the state’s recent history.
Wike, a seasoned politician who has held the position of governor for two terms, played a pivotal role in Fubara’s emergence as his successor. Fubara, who was Wike’s political protege, was seen as a loyal ally who would continue Wike’s policies and maintain his legacy in the state. However, in recent months, the relationship between the two has soured, with accusations of betrayal coming from Wike’s camp.
The crux of Wike’s disappointment appears to stem from the fact that Fubara, who had long been under his mentorship, began to distance himself shortly after assuming office. Wike has publicly accused Fubara of aligning himself with those who were once his political enemies, particularly those who had opposed Wike’s leadership in the past.
This sense of betrayal is compounded by the timing of the conflict. Wike noted that typically, a political ally would wait at least a year or two before revealing their true intentions, but Fubara chose to act within just three months of taking office. According to Wike, this was not only surprising but also unprecedented in Nigerian politics.
In his remarks, Wike further emphasized that the support Fubara appears to be enjoying is not genuine. He claimed that people who had previously opposed him are now rallying around Fubara, not because they agree with his policies, but because they see the opportunity to fight against Wike.
“Nobody is supporting him because they believe in what he is doing,” Wike said. “They are only supporting him because he’s fighting with me. All those who can’t fight me directly are now coming around him, and he is staying with them.”
This accusation highlights the ongoing rivalry between Wike and other political figures in the state. Wike has long been a dominant force in Rivers politics, but his fallout with Fubara and other key figures has shaken his influence. Fubara’s decision to align with those who were once opposed to Wike suggests a shift in political loyalties in the state, one that could have long-lasting implications.
Wike’s criticism of Fubara also reflects his belief that the current governor is not capable of leading Rivers State on his own. Wike has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Fubara’s governance, suggesting that the new governor’s actions may be politically motivated rather than based on the needs of the people.
The tension between Wike and Fubara is part of a larger struggle for political control in Rivers State. Wike, who served as governor for eight years, remains a powerful figure in the state’s political landscape. His influence is far-reaching, and his legacy is deeply embedded in the state’s governance structures. However, with Fubara now in power, Wike is facing a challenge in maintaining his political dominance.
Fubara’s actions, including his alignment with political opponents of Wike, have made it clear that he is no longer the political ally Wike once believed him to be. This shift has caused a rift within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, with factions forming around the two men. While Fubara is the sitting governor, Wike still commands significant support from many in the state, particularly among those who remain loyal to his leadership.
Wike’s warning that “at the appropriate time, I will win” signals that he is not ready to relinquish his political influence. He has made it clear that he will continue to fight for what he believes is right for the people of Rivers State, and he is determined to challenge Fubara’s leadership, even if it means confronting him head-on.
The fallout between Wike and Fubara has significant political implications for Rivers State. As both men vie for control over the state’s political future, the situation could lead to further divisions within the PDP, especially if other party members align with either Wike or Fubara. With the 2027 governorship elections still a few years away, the rivalry between the two men could influence the direction of the party in the state.
For Wike, the betrayal by Fubara represents a critical turning point. Having invested so much in Fubara’s rise to power, Wike now finds himself in a position where he must recalibrate his political strategy. He will need to rally his supporters and work to solidify his base if he hopes to maintain any influence in the state’s politics. For Fubara, the stakes are equally high. His ability to govern effectively will depend on his ability to navigate the political minefield created by his strained relationship with Wike.
The division between the two men also opens the door for other political figures in Rivers State to step into the fray. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch how other key stakeholders in the state’s politics react to the growing tension. Some may choose to remain neutral, while others may decide to align with either Wike or Fubara, further shaping the political landscape in the years to come.
