The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that calm has returned to Rivers State following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the political rift between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the crisis had been resolved through compromise and mutual understanding.
“Leadership is about give and take. You must be able to swallow certain things. From what I have seen, there is no cause for alarm, unless journalists have uncovered something I have not seen. For now, we have done everything necessary in the interest of Rivers State,” he stated.
PDP Crisis a Risk for Aspirants
Wike also addressed the outcome of the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT, noting that the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has created uncertainty for aspirants seeking public office under the party’s platform.
He reiterated his earlier declaration to support President Tinubu for a second term, stating that the PDP failed to consult him on candidates presented for the FCT polls.
According to him, he chose to support candidates who personally informed him of their intention to run and who were aligned with the President’s agenda.
“I never said I would support any party. I said I would support candidates who support the President,” Wike clarified.
He warned that contesting under a party plagued by internal leadership disputes poses a serious risk, especially when it is unclear who has the authority to submit candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with electoral guidelines.
“Who is the recognized national chairman that can officially communicate with INEC? Taking such a risk is dangerous for any serious aspirant,” he added.
Kingibe’s Political Future ‘Over’
The minister also took aim at the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, declaring that her political relevance has diminished significantly.
He dismissed her influence in the territory and criticized her claim that the Area Council elections would be used to “teach him a lesson.”
Wike alleged that only seven voters participated at Kingibe’s polling unit during the election, citing the figure as evidence of weak grassroots support.
“In her polling unit, ADC got two votes, APC got three, and PDP got two. Just seven people voted. Yet she claims the government is not performing but could not mobilize people to vote against it,” he said.
He further responded to claims that he declared a curfew during the election, clarifying that the work-free day granted was approved by President Tinubu to ensure voters could return home safely.
“By the approval of Mr. President, a work-free day was declared. That is different from declaring a curfew,” Wike explained.
ADC Leaders Criticized
Turning to the broader political contest, Wike criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party as unprepared for the FCT elections.
According to him, while the APC secured 45 councillorship seats, the PDP won 17, arguing that the ADC failed to demonstrate significant electoral strength.
He challenged the party to approach the election tribunal if it believed the process was flawed.
Wike also accused prominent opposition figures — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi — of engaging in political theatrics ahead of the next general election.
He criticized their campaign activities, accusing them of attempting to appeal to the masses through symbolic gestures rather than substantive engagement.
Role as FCT Chief Security Officer
Defending his presence at some polling units during the elections, Wike maintained that as the FCT Minister and Chief Security Officer of the territory, he had the responsibility to monitor developments.
“I am the governor of the FCT. For security reasons, I have to know what is happening. I was not a candidate. Out of about 3,000 polling units, I visited only about 10. How does that influence the results?” he queried.
He stressed that he did not direct voters to support any particular party, reiterating that his backing was limited to candidates aligned with the President’s vision.
With his remarks, Wike signaled confidence in both the stability of Rivers State and the outcome of the FCT elections, while taking a firm stance against critics within and outside his party.
Wike Declares Peace in Rivers After Tinubu’s Intervention, Dismisses Opposition Ahead of 2027
