Nigeria – Wike Ridicules Fubara’s Loyalists Ahead of Rivers Election

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed the supporters of Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers state for defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Peoples Party (APP), as the October 5 local government elections draws near.

Wike who spoke at an event organized for him by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt, on Saturday, mocked the defection of Fubara supporters to APP.

“How can they even think of running to APP in Rivers? Politics isn’t about money; it’s about capacity. Money can’t win elections if you lack the necessary skill. We have beaten them before, and when the time is right, we will defeat them again,” Wike asserted.

He also noted that the ongoing defections were driven by envy towards the progress his camp had made in Rivers.

“They are envious of what we have built. But let me be clear, we haven’t even started playing politics yet. When the time comes, we will show them what real politics is all about,” he added.

Wike downplayed reports of opposition from the Ijaw community, dismissing them as the actions of a few individuals. He emphasized that the broader Ijaw group was not against him, but a handful of “ungrateful” people were stirring trouble.

“Nobody in Rivers is fighting me. I’m far too big for them to challenge. If you don’t acknowledge someone who is bigger than you, then you’re only deceiving yourself. Combined, they don’t match up to me,” Wike said confidently.

Recall that After Wike’s loyalists took control of the PDP in Rivers following the congress that held last month, Fubara reportedly directed his loyalists to contest the forthcoming election under APP.