Sources Close to Political Circles Claim: Nyesom Wike Will Not Endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara or Senator Magnus Abe for 2027 Rivers Governorship

As the political temperature in Rivers State continues to rise ahead of the 2027 governorship election, credible insider sources have revealed that former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has no intention of endorsing incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara or former Senator Magnus Abe in the race for the state’s top seat.

The disclosure, circulating among political stakeholders and observers in Port Harcourt, underscores the persistent undercurrents of strategic maneuvering in Rivers politics.

Wike, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Rivers State politics, has maintained a public stance of withholding support for Fubara’s second-term ambition. This position stems from the prolonged rift that began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, marked by control battles over party structures, legislative loyalty, and resource allocation.

Multiple reports indicate that Wike has repeatedly emphasized that he will only back a successor he can “trust” to protect his political legacy and interests. In various fora, the FCT Minister has asserted his determination not to be “politically buried” ahead of 2027, signaling a calculated approach to who receives his backing.

Meanwhile, Senator Magnus Abe — once a fierce rival of Wike during the heated 2019 and 2023 political cycles — has seen a notable realignment in recent times. Abe has publicly described Wike as the “001 of President Bola Tinubu’s political family in Rivers State” and credited him with delivering the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. Despite this apparent thaw and Abe’s appointment as Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (widely seen as linked to Wike’s influence), sources insist that Wike remains unwilling to throw his weight behind Abe’s governorship bid.

The claim comes amid broader speculation about Wike’s preferred successor. Some political analysts point to a potential “Rainbow Coalition” strategy or even family involvement, with whispers of positioning for loyalists or relatives in future contests. Others suggest Wike may back an entirely different candidate from Ogoni or other zones to maintain dominance.

Governor Fubara, who recently defected to the APC and has received endorsements from groups like Ijaw youths for a second term, faces an uphill battle without Wike’s machinery. APC figures loyal to Wike, including National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, have insisted that “no victory is possible in Rivers without Wike,” describing certain areas as “no-go zones” for Fubara absent the minister’s approval.

Recent presidential interventions by President Tinubu, including multiple reconciliation meetings in Abuja, have aimed to ease tensions between Wike and Fubara. While some progress has been reported — including Fubara describing Wike as a “man of big ambition” post-meeting and moves toward unity — the underlying power dynamics appear unchanged. Sources close to the matter stress that any truce has not translated into Wike pledging support for Fubara’s re-election.

As the 2027 race intensifies, Rivers State remains a battleground of loyalties, defections, and high-stakes alliances. Whether Wike ultimately reveals a preferred candidate or maintains his current posture of non-endorsement for both Fubara and Abe could prove decisive in shaping the state’s political future.