The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the people of Rivers State will not repeat past political “mistakes” as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, signaling an early phase of political mobilisation in the state.

 

 

 

Wike made the statement on Tuesday, December 30 during a visit to Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he disclosed that political activities would formally commence in January 2026. He cautioned residents against making political choices they might later regret.

 

 

According to him, the people had already experienced the consequences of previous decisions.

 

 

 

“We won’t make mistakes again. The first one you have done – have they said thank you? So, if you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out,” he said.

 

 

Although Wike did not directly mention Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to the ongoing political rift between both men.

 

 

Fubara, who succeeded Wike as governor in 2023, has since presided over a deeply divided political environment in the state. His administration has been marked by a prolonged struggle over control of the state’s political structure, a crisis that later escalated into a constitutional standoff.

 

 

The political tension eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the governor, further intensifying the power struggle ahead of the 2027 elections.