Political tension in Rivers State deepened on Monday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, openly criticised the Rivers State Government for denying access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for a political rally in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at a well-attended political gathering, Wike described the refusal as politically motivated and without precedent. He said the organisers of the rally had followed due process by formally applying to use the state-owned stadium but were turned down by the government.
According to him, the action was unacceptable and aimed at frustrating political mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We applied to the state government to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, and they refused,” Wike said. “Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it, and nothing will happen.”
His statement, delivered in a firm and defiant tone, immediately sparked reactions across the state and beyond, as it signalled a sharp escalation in the political rivalry between key actors in Rivers State.
The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is one of the major public facilities in Port Harcourt and has historically been used for political rallies, cultural events, and sports activities. Denial of access to the facility has therefore raised concerns about political fairness and the use of state institutions.
Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years before becoming FCT minister, said Rivers State has always been at the forefront of political mobilisation in Nigeria and would continue to show leadership in openly supporting President Tinubu.
“I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way,” he said. “Support is not by mouth. We have shown our commitment with action.”
He declared that political activities ahead of future elections had already begun, insisting that there was nothing unusual about early mobilisation.
“I told you that by January, we would start playing politics. This is January, and we have started,” Wike said. “If you don’t give us the venue, we will break it.”
The comments reflect growing political divisions in Rivers State, especially following disagreements between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Though both men belong to the same political family that once dominated the state, cracks have widened in recent months over control of political structures and loyalty ahead of 2027.
Wike also questioned the level of commitment shown by the Rivers State Government towards President Tinubu’s re-election bid. He suggested that political rewards from the centre depend on visible support and alignment.
“You cannot have a governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu, and you are not aligning,” he said. “How then do you expect a reward?”
The former governor stressed that loyalty, not money, determines political benefits.
“You don’t need N600 billion,” he said. “All you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it brings envy.”
Wike’s remarks come at a time when political camps in Rivers State are reorganising ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts say the struggle is not just about elections, but also about control of party structures and grassroots influence.
The minister also revealed that the rally was organised by a coalition of political groups. He thanked President Tinubu for supporting the Ijaw coalition in producing candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.
He urged supporters to come out in large numbers to vote, promising logistics and mobilisation to ensure victory for candidates aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
“By February 21, go out and vote,” Wike said. “We will provide the buses and ensure proper mobilisation for the Renewed Hope agenda.”
By-elections in Rivers State have often attracted strong political interest due to the state’s importance in national politics. Rivers is one of the states with a large voter population and plays a key role in determining election outcomes in the South-South region.
Also speaking at the rally, Senator George Sekibo assured President Tinubu of continued support from Rivers State. He praised the president for appointing Rivers indigenes into key federal positions and for approving major projects in the state.
“No president has embarked on projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers indigenes,” Sekibo said. “Tell the President we are grateful.”
His comments were aimed at reinforcing loyalty to the Tinubu administration and countering claims of disunity among Rivers political leaders.
Meanwhile, Wike further instructed the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to reapply formally to the state government for the use of the stadium for the inauguration of ward executives.
“I have told the coordinator to write again to the state government and choose a date,” Wike said. “If they refuse, we will break it by force. We will do the needful.”
He insisted that no group should be denied access to public facilities funded by taxpayers.
“Nobody can deny us the use of facilities that belong to Rivers State,” he said. “Heaven will not fall. Even if heaven falls, everywhere will be at peace.”
The strong language used by the minister has raised concerns among observers, who fear that rising political tension could lead to unrest if not properly managed. Civil society groups have called on political leaders to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
However, Wike’s supporters argue that he is merely resisting political exclusion and standing up for his supporters’ rights.
As Rivers State moves closer to another election cycle, political activities are expected to intensify. With key figures already staking positions and mobilising supporters, the battle for control of the state’s political direction appears far from over.