The long simmering power struggle in Rivers State politics boiled closer to the surface on Tuesday as senior figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly declared Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the undisputed political gatekeeper of the state — even warning Governor Siminalayi Fubara that nothing of consequence can be won without Wike’s blessing.
The blunt message came during Wike’s thank-you visit to Gokana Local Government Area, where APC National Vice Chairman, South South, Victor Giadom, told the gathering that Rivers politics still revolves around the former governor.
According to Giadom, Wike’s grip on political structures in Gokana — and by extension Rivers — remains intact and unchallengeable.
“For him to win anything in Gokana, even Governor Fubara must pass through Wike,” Giadom said, drawing loud cheers from party supporters.
He described Wike as a dependable and tested political leader, insisting there was no alternative power centre in the area.
“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu. There is no other political force here,” he declared.
The remarks underscored the deepening realignment in Rivers politics, where party boundaries appear increasingly blurred under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Former senator representing Rivers South East, Magnus Abe, reinforced the message, saying the people of Gokana had already made their political choice.
“Wike is a leader who unites. If you follow him, you will not go home empty-handed,” Abe said, adding that the Ogoni people were firmly behind both Wike and President Tinubu.
In a striking show of confidence, Abe told supporters there was no need for the president to campaign in Gokana.
“Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming here. We are already for him,” he said.
The show of loyalty was echoed by the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, who assured Wike of unwavering support from the people of Gokana.
“Anywhere you go, we will go,” Maol said.
Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Confidence Deko, also pledged total allegiance, praising Wike for what he described as years of tangible support and political inclusion.
“This local government is for you because of what you have done for us. The time for payback is near,” Deko said.
Responding, Wike said his visit was simply to thank the people of Gokana for their long-standing support and loyalty, which he described as critical to political stability in the area.
He urged residents to maintain unity and patience, stressing that political success comes from collective discipline and obedience to leadership direction.
“When you are united, good things will come,” Wike said.
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In a remark that highlighted the evolving political landscape in Rivers, the FCT minister said both APC and PDP stakeholders in the state were now aligned under President Tinubu’s agenda.
“That is why you see PDP and APC members together here,” he said, describing the alliance as strategic rather than accidental.
