The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned that sudden declarations of loyalty to President Bola Tinubu do not automatically guarantee the Rivers State governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike stressed that invoking the president’s mandate cannot override existing political agreements, insisting that such understandings must be honoured.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a Christmas visit to his supporters in Emohua Local Government Area, at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Emohua, His Royal Highness Ohna Sergent Awuse, who also chairs the South-South Traditional Rulers Forum.
Reaffirming his long-held stance, Wike warned against taking him for granted once agreements have been reached, adding that he would oppose any attempt to alter previously settled arrangements.
While noting that President Tinubu’s second-term bid is already settled, the minister maintained that professed support for the president should not be turned into a bargaining chip in Rivers State politics.
“As far as Tinubu is concerned, that is settled,” Wike said. “Anyone who wants to be governor of Rivers State can sing all they like about mandates, but agreement is agreement.”
He added that integrity lies in keeping one’s word, warning that financial strength or political manoeuvring would not change agreed terms.
“No one can use us to play games,” he said. “No matter the amount of money involved, it will collapse. What matters is keeping to the agreement.”
Wike further dismissed claims that backing President Tinubu could automatically translate into a governorship ticket in Rivers State.
“That cannot give you any ticket. It cannot,” he declared.
The minister also took a swipe at supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who recently declared support for President Tinubu, recalling that the same group had earlier called for the removal of Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, those lawmakers “saw ahead.”
Although Wike repeatedly emphasised the importance of honouring agreements, he did not disclose the nature of the agreements or the parties involved, leaving room for speculation.
While he avoided mentioning names, political observers have raised questions about Governor Fubara’s political future, particularly his chances of securing a second-term ticket following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
SNOW TV NEWS also reports that Wike made similar Christmas visits to his supporters in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where he delivered the same message on the sanctity of political agreements, as he did in Emohua and Ahoada.
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