Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, has publicly stated he is not endorsing any candidate for the Rivers State governorship election. Speaking at a meeting held at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja, Wike dismissed claims of backing a specific contender as false. He emphasized that such decisions rest with the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba. "I no endorse anybody for governorship seat for Rivers State," Wike said firmly. "That kind decision na work for the Elders Council." He affirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, describing his political position as consistent. Wike warned against premature endorsements, insisting no governor can impose a candidate on Rivers people. "We don make mistake before for politics. We no go repeat am," he said. He urged political stakeholders to remain united, stressing that power lies in unity, not money. Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hinted at possibly defecting from the PDP to the ADC after a meeting with party leaders. He called ADC the "preferred destination" and said a formal announcement would come on April 2. Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at NDDC, also denied reports that Wike supports his gubernatorial ambition, calling them false.
Wike's denial of endorsing any Rivers governorship candidate rings hollow given his active setup of Majority 89.5 FM in Port Harcourt to shape political narratives. His claim of neutrality collapses under the weight of his own machinery-building for influence. For Nigerians, this means the battle for Rivers will be fought less on policy and more on control of party structures and media. The coming political war exposes how loyalty is increasingly transactional, not ideological.
