The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained why he is coordinating President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in Rivers State instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike said Rivers State has a unique political situation that requires a particular kind of leadership to manage the campaign effectively.
The former Rivers State governor made this known during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
According to him, Rivers is the only state where the sitting All Progressives Congress (APC) governor is not directly coordinating the President’s re-election campaign.
Wike maintained that election campaigns require strong leadership, political commitment and the support of key stakeholders.
He explained that the person responsible for coordinating the exercise must have the necessary backing and understanding of the political situation in the state.
The minister, however, did not provide further details about the specific reasons Governor Fubara was not appointed to lead the campaign structure.
WIKE DENIES FUBARA’S EXCLUSION FROM TINUBU’S CAMPAIGN
Wike dismissed suggestions that Governor Fubara had been sidelined in the campaign, insisting that the Rivers governor remains an active participant in the political arrangement.
He cited meetings held at Fubara’s residence as evidence of the governor’s involvement, arguing that such gatherings demonstrated his continued importance to the campaign.
The FCT minister also confirmed that Fubara would participate in the re-election campaign at both state and national levels.
Wike further stated that the governor’s immediate concern was maintaining unity within his political family, regardless of whether he would contest another election.
His remarks come amid the prolonged political disagreement between the two men, whose relationship has significantly influenced political developments in Rivers State.
Although Wike did not disclose all the factors behind his appointment as campaign coordinator, he maintained that Fubara had not been excluded from the process.
The development comes as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with President Tinubu seeking another term in office.
