Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly put their 2027 political ambitions on hold, opting instead to await his directive ahead of the next general elections.
The move affects several political actors eyeing governorship, state assembly, and federal legislative positions, many of whom scaled back consultations after attending recent strategy meetings convened by the minister in Abuja.
Sources within the political circle revealed that the decision by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to delay announcing his future political plans may also be influenced by Wike’s perceived stance.
Insiders further disclosed that Wike is unlikely to support Fubara for a second term but may back members of the State House of Assembly who remained loyal to him during the protracted political crisis in the state.
The minister’s recent remarks also forced the Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye, to publicly deny reports suggesting he had been endorsed as Wike’s preferred successor.
Speaking during a pre-convention gathering of Rivers APC members in Abuja, Wike dismissed such claims as unfounded, prompting Iyaye to quickly distance himself from the speculation.
Despite mounting pressure, Wike has kept his preferred governorship candidate undisclosed, with indications that he intends to consult key stakeholders and elders within his political camp before making any pronouncement.
At a separate meeting held under the banner of the Rainbow Coalition, Wike reiterated that he had not endorsed any aspirant for any office in 2027.
“I have not promised anybody anything as it concerns 2027. I have not endorsed anyone for Senate, House of Representatives, governorship, or state assembly,” he said.
The minister, however, made it clear that his only declared support is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next election cycle.
Wike also cautioned politicians against assuming that defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would automatically secure them tickets, stressing the importance of performance and accountability.
“Decamping to the APC is not an automatic ticket for a second term. You must show your report card,” he warned.
Highlighting the uniqueness of his political alliance, Wike described the Rainbow Coalition as an unprecedented collaboration between ruling and opposition forces in Rivers State.
He dismissed external political influence, insisting that no governor from outside the state would determine Rivers’ political direction.
Wike also warned against ethnic politics and opportunism, emphasizing loyalty and sincerity as key criteria for his eventual endorsements.
“Please, nobody should send me messages asking whether I have endorsed anybody. When the time comes, the elders will know, and it will not be done in secret,” he added.