Wike denies Rivers endorsement claims, says he has not backed any 2027 candidate while reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly dismissed claims of endorsing any candidate for the 2027 governorship election or any political office in Rivers State, during a political stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Monday night, 31 March 2026.
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Nyesom Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, said in Life Camp, Abuja, that the responsibility of selecting candidates rests solely with the state’s elders and not individuals.
The statement came amid growing political speculation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike insisted that no endorsement had been made, stressing that decisions on political candidates would be taken by the Elders Council led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.
He described any attempt to impose candidates as unacceptable.
“I have not endorsed anybody for any position. That responsibility belongs to the elders, and they will meet and decide,” he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of rising political activity within the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, where discussions on succession plans in Rivers State have intensified.
In a firm tone, Wike warned aspirants against relying on political imposition, stating that voters in Rivers State would resist such moves.
He emphasised the need to avoid past political mistakes that created division.
“No governor can impose a candidate on Rivers State. The mistakes of the past will not be repeated,” he said.
While addressing stakeholders drawn from both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike reaffirmed his political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been his declared focus of support, Wike noted, adding that his position remains unchanged.
“My only commitment for now is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have never hidden that,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the role of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, describing its actions as central to ongoing political developments in the state.
Wike urged emerging political coalitions to remain united and avoid internal divisions, warning that external forces were attempting to destabilise their growing influence.
He further criticised what he described as betrayal by some political appointees, calling it a failure of character and warning against deceit-driven ambitions.
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Despite the tensions, Wike commended elders, council chairmen, and party leaders for sustaining coordination and unity within the evolving political structure in Rivers State.
