By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed remarks by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara suggesting that key political figures formerly aligned with Atiku Abubakar have now switched allegiance to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Speaking during an engagement with journalists, Wike took aim at Fubara’s assertion that prominent Atiku allies — including former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara, former Rivers Governor Celestine Omehia, and former Minister Abiye Sekibo — had broken away from Atiku’s camp to back Fubara’s political direction.
Wike, however, played down the significance of their move, questioning both their electoral strength and political relevance in the state.
“I heard somebody say, ‘Oh, those who want Atiku are back.’ They couldn’t give Atiku 10 percent in 2023, so what is the political advantage?” Wike said, referring to the 2023 presidential election in which Atiku failed to secure notable support in Rivers State.
The comment underscores the deepening political rift between Wike and Fubara, whose strained relationship has shaped Rivers State politics since late 2023. Their disagreement has repeatedly spilled into the public arena, drawing national attention due to their influence within the ruling and opposition blocs.
While Fubara’s camp has celebrated the politicians’ realignment as a boost ahead of the 2027 race, Wike insists their departure from the Atiku fold does not shift the political landscape.
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor the named political figures had issued responses at the time of publication, as the reconfiguration of alliances in Rivers State continues to unfold.
