‘He Lost Everything’ — Wike Reveals What Ended Fubara’s Second-Term Dream

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says Governor Siminalayi Fubara lost his chance of securing a second term because he listened to the wrong advisers, alleging that external forces manipulated the Rivers governor into fighting the political structure that brought him to power.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has opened up on the political crisis that rocked Rivers State, claiming it ultimately cost Governor Siminalayi Fubara the opportunity to seek a second term in office.

Speaking during his monthly media chat aired live on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike blamed Fubara’s political downfall on what he described as bad advice from close associates and external interests determined to take control of Rivers State.

According to the former Rivers governor, he repeatedly warned Fubara against abandoning the political structure that brought him to power, urging him instead to build on the foundation already laid.

“I said, look, don’t derail. I came as governor, I had crisis. When I came as governor, there was nothing. They didn’t even relocate the Government House,” Wike said.

Wike recalled inheriting an administration with virtually no official vehicles, revealing that he had to borrow ceremonial vehicles from former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

He said before leaving office, he renovated the Government House and provided official vehicles for the governor, deputy governor and the governor’s wife, expecting his successor to continue building on those achievements.

“Somebody had laid a foundation. Look, this is where I stopped. If you continue this way, our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos. What is wrong with that?” he said.

The FCT minister alleged that politicians who initially opposed Fubara’s emergence later became his closest advisers and encouraged him to challenge the political camp that made him governor.

According to Wike, those advisers ultimately destroyed Fubara’s political ambitions.

“Your intention was to go for a second term, is it not correct? And you are not going,” he stated.

Despite their prolonged political feud, Wike insisted he still cared about Fubara.

“If I don’t love him, why would we support him?” he said.

Wike disclosed that both camps once explored reconciliation but claimed political calculations prevented any lasting peace.

He further alleged that powerful external interests viewed Rivers State as a “cash cow” and sought to hijack its political and financial structure.

According to him, some influential individuals, including senior lawyers, allegedly encouraged Fubara to resist his political family while enjoying the benefits of private jets and privileged access to government.

“We said no, this cash cow must end now. You won’t have it again,” Wike declared.

The political rift between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023 and later escalated into a major crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats, and the declaration of a six-month state of emergency in the state.

Although Fubara was later reinstated and eventually reconciled with Wike’s political camp, he withdrew from the 2026 governorship race after initially obtaining nomination forms, ending his bid for a second term.