FCT Minister claims his influence secured governorship
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has intensified his verbal war with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that his own political influence—which Fubara allegedly likened to a “barking dog”—was exactly what made him governor.
Speaking on Friday, January 2, 2026, during a “thank you” visit to the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) local government area, Wike fired back at his estranged political protege. He reminded the governor that when others fled the political battleground, it was this same “barking dog” that secured the mandate for him.
The clash was ignited by remarks made by Governor Fubara during a New Year banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday. The governor had reportedly asked guests if a dog that knows its owner needs to bark, a comment widely interpreted as a veiled swipe at Wike’s frequent public outbursts. Fubara urged his supporters to remain unperturbed by the “sounds of war,” suggesting that those who are “barking” simply do not understand the current political trajectory.
Wike, however, was quick to reclaim the metaphor, stating that the “dog” in question barked loudly enough to make an unknown individual the governor of the state. He mocked the governor’s newfound courage, questioning why he is now “afraid” of the same force that fought for his political survival. The minister’s response signals that the brief truce brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025 has completely evaporated as the state moves into a new political year.
Allegations of reneged peace deals and broken pacts
Central to the renewed hostility is Wike’s claim that Governor Fubara has failed to uphold a “secret agreement” reached at the Presidential Villa in June 2025. The minister alleged that the governor has reneged on several terms designed to end the long-standing crisis between the executive and the State House of Assembly. Wike warned that “politics will resume in full” this month and promised to soon reveal the details of the pact to the people of Rivers State.
The crisis has already seen significant shifts in the state’s political landscape, including Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike dismissed the move, stating that claiming a “001” registration number in the APC does not translate to genuine leadership or political structure. He argued that a leader who cannot maintain a working relationship with local government chairmen and lawmakers lacks the capacity to govern effectively.
The minister also ridiculed the governor’s alliance with former Atiku Abubakar loyalists, such as Uche Secondus and Celestine Omehia. Wike pointed out that these individuals were unable to deliver significant votes for their previous principal and would bring no “political advantage” to Fubara. He insisted that his own camp remains the “original mandate people” and is fully prepared for the political battles of 2026 and 2027.
Implications for Rivers State and the 2027 elections
As the war of words escalates, the governance of Rivers State remains caught in the crossfire of the “godfather versus godson” dispute. Wike has vowed to “correct the mistake” made during the last election cycle, a clear indication that he intends to field or support an alternative candidate in 2027. He emphasized that money alone cannot solve the political problems Fubara has created, warning that “there cannot be two captains in one ship.”
For his part, Governor Fubara has maintained that his administration is focused on peace, progress, and “prophetic intervention.” In his New Year message, he assured residents that the state would not fall despite the “sounds of war” coming from the opposition. He has also pledged total loyalty to President Tinubu, hoping that the federal government’s support will shield him from his predecessor’s relentless pressure.
The ongoing feud continues to fracture the local chapters of both the PDP and the APC, with factions aligning behind the two powerful figures. With Wike promising to visit the state more frequently and “resume full politics,” the stability of the oil-rich state hangs in a delicate balance. Analysts predict that 2026 will be a year of intense litigation and political maneuvering as both sides prepare for the ultimate showdown at the polls.
