WIKE SAID THAT IN 2027, IF THEY ALLOW FUBARA TO FINISH, HE WON'T RETURN - NWIBUBASA.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, has offered insight into the recent reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, describing it as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Dr. Nwibubasa emphasized that the peace accord between the two political heavyweights is not solely focused on governance in Rivers State but is part of a broader plan to retain influence on the national political stage.

“The resolution is not about governance per se,” he stated, “it’s about preserving relevance and building leverage for the next electoral contest.”

Dr. Nwibubasa argued that key political players are carefully aligning themselves to remain pivotal in Nigeria’s shifting political landscape, especially with 2027 fast approaching. He suggested that the roots of the Fubara-Wike standoff were always more political than administrative, pointing to behind-the-scenes maneuvering aimed at securing future loyalties and strategic advantage.

He further suggested that Wike, now serving as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu, is taking deliberate steps to increase his standing within the national power structure. According to Nwibubasa, Wike’s visible performance and overt loyalty to the president may be aimed at securing a central role in Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign or within a future political alliance.

Dr. Nwibubasa also warned against underestimating the Rivers electorate. He stressed that voters are increasingly driven by socio-economic realities—such as food insecurity, joblessness, and general hardship—rather than political endorsements or elite allegiances. He insisted that no individual, regardless of their title or influence, can claim to fully control voter behavior in the state.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, the former commissioner cast doubt on the electoral weight Wike was believed to have wielded, suggesting that expectations for 2027 based on past performance could lead to disappointment. He maintained that the people of Rivers State are politically aware and will not allow themselves to be treated as a guaranteed political bloc.

In a final comment, Nwibubasa noted that Wike himself has indicated he may not remain in office beyond his current tenure, a scenario that could potentially benefit both Fubara and Wike, depending on how events unfold. However, he reiterated that the reconciliation should not be mistaken for an altruistic move, but rather understood within the context of long-term political calculations.