The fragile peace in Rivers State’s political landscape appears to be nearing its expiration date as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially signaled a return to full-scale political activities beginning January 2026.
Speaking on Saturday during a strategic briefing with stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, the former Governor sent a clear message that the current lull in activities is merely the “calm before the storm.” The announcement comes amid lingering tensions and a widely discussed, yet seemingly unresolved, peace deal between the Minister and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the crowd following the annual thanksgiving ceremony of Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Wike took a hardline stance on political loyalty and integrity.
In a pointed critique aimed at unnamed political actors, the Minister emphasized that he remains a man of his word and expects the same from others.
“You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement,” Wike declared. “Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night. Nobody can use us to say ‘yes I agree’ and then change later. If you know you cannot do it, do not enter into it.”
The Minister did not mince words when reflecting on the 2023 general elections. He questioned the “overnight loyalty” of individuals who are now vocal supporters of President Bola Tinubu but were noticeably silent when the political climate was most volatile.
“In 2023, it was difficult for many to come out and say ‘vote for Asiwaju.’ But we did it,” Wike stated, reminding his supporters that they were the ones who made the President’s mandate strong in Rivers State. “Where were those who are now shouting ‘On Your Mandate’ when it mattered most? We stood firm when it was tough.”
He assured his base in Ahoada that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and that the “real politics” would resume in the new year.
The event in Ochigba community served as more than just a thanksgiving; it was a significant show of force. The gathering featured a “who’s who” of Rivers State political elite, including: Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Philip Aduda, Senator Wilson Ake, Senator Olaka Wogu, OCJ Okocha (SAN), and Ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka
While the Minister refrained from naming specific targets of his criticism, the timing and tone of his speech suggest that the “peace deal” brokered in the wake of the state’s legislative crisis may be on shaky ground. By setting a January 2026 start date for political mobilization, Wike has effectively fired the starting gun for the next election cycle, ensuring that Rivers State remains the epicenter of Nigerian political discourse.
“There is no cause for concern,” Wike told the cheering crowd. “We will speak at the appropriate time.”
As the state watches and waits, one thing is certain: the political landscape of Rivers State is about to become significantly more complex.
