To Win Rivers, You Must Pass Through Wike: How Power Politics Is Shaping the Fubara–Wike Rivalry

The political atmosphere in Rivers State has once again been charged with controversy following comments credited to the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South, Hon. Victor Giadom. Speaking during a “thank you” visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to Gokana Local Government Area, Giadom made a declaration that has reignited debates around godfatherism, political dominance, and the future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s ambitions in the state.

According to Giadom, Gokana Local Government Area is effectively under Wike’s political control and remains inaccessible to any aspirant or office holder who does not have the former Rivers governor’s blessing. He went as far as stating that even the sitting governor, Siminalayi Fubara, cannot win any meaningful political contest in Gokana without “passing through” Wike. The statement, delivered publicly, underscored the depth of Wike’s influence in Rivers politics and sent a clear message to all political actors eyeing the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Wike as a “dependable leader,” Giadom assured him that there would be no rival political force in Gokana capable of challenging his authority. He openly pledged the loyalty of the people of the area to Wike and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that Wike’s influence remains unrivalled at the grassroots level. For Giadom, the political reality in Gokana is settled: loyalty to Wike is non-negotiable, and any attempt to bypass him would be futile.

The message was reinforced by other prominent figures at the event. Former senator representing Rivers South East, Magnus Abe, declared that the people of Gokana had already made their choice, aligning firmly with Wike and Tinubu. Abe portrayed Wike as a unifying leader whose political camp guarantees rewards and relevance to loyal followers. In his words, those who stand with Wike would “not go home empty-handed,” a statement that further highlighted the transactional nature of politics in the state.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, and the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Confidence Deko, pledged unwavering support to Wike. Both leaders echoed the same refrain: wherever Wike goes politically, the people of Gokana will follow. Deko went a step further by assuring Wike that the local government would repay past support with loyalty when it matters most, urging him to convey Gokana’s appreciation to President Tinubu.

In his response, Wike framed the visit as an expression of gratitude rather than a political rally. He commended the unity displayed by the people and emphasized that unity remains the gateway to political and developmental rewards. Notably, Wike pointed out that both APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members were present at the event, arguing that political actors in Rivers were now operating under the broad umbrella of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

However, the remarks by Giadom and other speakers have drawn sharp criticism from many observers and citizens. Critics argue that such statements undermine democratic principles by portraying the state as the personal estate of one political heavyweight. Others question the propriety of an APC chieftain suggesting that a sitting governor must defer to a minister who is not even a formal member of the party to secure electoral success.

Beyond the rhetoric, the episode reflects a deeper struggle for control in Rivers State. The long-simmering rift between Wike and his former protégé, Governor Fubara, continues to define the state’s politics. As 2027 approaches, the central question remains whether Rivers voters will accept a politics anchored on godfather influence or whether emerging dynamics will weaken Wike’s grip on the state.

What is clear is that Rivers State remains a key battleground, and power brokers are already staking their claims. Whether Wike’s dominance will endure, or whether Fubara can chart an independent political path, will shape not only the future of Rivers politics but also the broader balance of power in the South-South.