FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, of making critical political miscalculations after becoming Rivers State governor, including attempting to build his own political structure too early.
The political battle surrounding Rivers State has resurfaced as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has opened up on what he described as the biggest mistakes made by his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike said Fubara’s major errors included attempting to operate independently and moving too quickly to establish his own political structure after assuming office.
The former Rivers governor made the remarks on Saturday while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja.
Wike: Fubara Tried to Build His Own Structure Too Early
According to Wike, Fubara should not have rushed into creating a political structure of his own immediately after becoming governor.
He described the move as one of the key political miscalculations that contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.
Wike also accused Fubara of attempting to do things alone rather than continuing to operate within the political structure that produced him.
The comments come more than a year after the bitter political confrontation between the two men plunged Rivers State into a major crisis.
Former Allies Became Political Rivals
Fubara succeeded Wike as Rivers governor in 2023, initially emerging with the backing of his predecessor.
However, the relationship between the two politicians later deteriorated into a fierce struggle over political control, with the Rivers State House of Assembly becoming a major battleground.
The dispute escalated to the point where President Bola Tinubu intervened in the crisis, which at various stages involved impeachment threats and competing political factions.
The confrontation ultimately reshaped the political landscape in the state.
Wike Says Fubara Had to Correct His Mistakes
Wike has previously argued that Fubara eventually recognised his political mistakes and returned to the political family that produced him.
The FCT minister recently maintained that there was nothing wrong with a politician admitting an error and correcting it, saying politics should not be viewed in terms of permanent personal grievances.
His latest comments appear to reinforce that position while providing more detail about what he believes went wrong during Fubara’s tenure.
2027 Adds Fresh Pressure
The comments come as Rivers State prepares for another politically charged period ahead of the 2027 general election.
Fubara’s political future has already become a major subject of speculation following his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship contest.
Wike had previously disclosed that Fubara’s withdrawal was part of a political understanding reached to halt impeachment moves against the governor.
The former governor’s latest remarks therefore carry wider political significance as rival camps continue positioning themselves for the next election cycle.
Rivers Power Struggle Far From Forgotten
Although Wike and Fubara have moved away from their most explosive public confrontations, the latest statement shows that the political history between both men remains a potent subject.
Wike’s assessment is likely to reignite debate over the decisions that transformed a once-close political relationship into one of the most dramatic power struggles in Nigeria’s recent political history.
As the 2027 elections approach, the question of who controls Rivers State’s political machinery remains one of the major issues to watch.