The Chairman of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has issued a stern warning to external political actors attempting to influence the power dynamics in Rivers State, telling them to “demonstrate their political strength” in their own states instead.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, during a high-profile visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to Ahoada East, Nwuche emphasized that 2027 support for President Bola Tinubu must be earned at the grassroots level across all federating states.
“Go back to your states and demonstrate your political strength. Leave Rivers State alone,” Nwuche declared. “Rivers has its own peculiar political dynamics that outsiders may not fully understand. If you claim to support the President, show us the results in your own backyard first.”
Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, praised Wike’s role in securing Rivers for the President in 2023. He described the Rivers political structure as a “family” that follows the direction of its leader.
“No governor in Rivers has come close to the level of impact we witnessed during your tenure. Therefore, wherever you go, there we shall go,” he stated, reaffirming his loyalty to the FCT Minister.
The SSDC Chairman did not mince words regarding the current administration in the state, expressing deep disappointment in Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He noted that many stakeholders only supported Fubara based on Wike’s recommendation and accused the Governor of failing to uphold the unity of the political family that brought him to power.
Earlier in the event, Minister Nyesom Wike told the gathered crowd that his visit was a “thank you” mission for their 2023 performance and a strategic launchpad for the 2027 presidential mobilization. He urged the people of Ahoada East to remain steadfast in their support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, insisting that local loyalty is the only currency that will matter in the next election cycle.