Wike says Fubara’s return strengthens Tinubu’s 2027 re-election drive

Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has defended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to return to his political camp, saying the governor committed no offence by rejoining the political family that supported his emergence.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said political differences should not be treated as personal disputes, adding that politicians are free to change course when they believe it is in the best interest of those they represent.

Responding to suggestions that Fubara had been “forgiven” after months of political tensions, Wike dismissed the description.

“In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. What matters is recognising the mistake and moving in the right direction,” he said.

Wike said he had expected the governor’s return, recalling that he had predicted during an earlier media briefing that Fubara would eventually reunite with the political structure that brought him to office.
According to him, the reconciliation creates an opportunity for both camps to work together in advancing Rivers State’s development.

“He has publicly declared that he has returned to where he started, and we welcome him. Our doors are open, and we will work together to move the state forward,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also said the renewed alliance would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.

Fubara announced his reconciliation with Wike’s political camp during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rivien Medical Industry project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State last week. At the event, the governor also endorsed Tinubu for a second term and urged his supporters to align with the Rainbow Coalition, saying it was time to move beyond political conflicts and focus on development.

Beyond politics, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of major infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road.

He said the contractor handling the ISEX Road project had assured the government that the road would be ready for commissioning in December, provided funding commitments are met.

Wike also reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them, arguing that continuity in governance is critical to economic growth and urban development.

“Good leadership is continuing projects that are important to the development of the city. We are satisfied with the progress being made, and it is our responsibility to ensure contractors receive the support they need to complete the projects on schedule,” he said.