The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, South South, Victor Giadom, has said that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, must work through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to achieve any electoral success in Rivers State.
Giadom made the statement on Tuesday during Wike’s “thank you” visit to the people of Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
He described Wike as a strong and dependable political figure in Rivers, insisting that no other political influence would rival him in Gokana. According to Giadom, the people of the area remain firmly aligned with Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Giadom said Gokana was firmly closed to any political challenger, including Governor Fubara, adding that any attempt to win elections in the area would require Wike’s backing.
The comments followed an earlier visit by the minister to Khana Local Government Area, where Wike reportedly warned that the people of Rivers State would not repeat what he described as past political mistakes in the 2027 elections. He also suggested that Governor Fubara’s second-term ambition was uncertain, despite his defection to the ruling APC.
Former Senator representing Rivers South East, Magnus Abe, also addressed the gathering, saying the people of Gokana had already chosen their political allies. He identified Wike and President Tinubu as the leaders enjoying the community’s support, describing Wike as a unifying figure whose leadership assured political and material rewards.
Abe further stated that the Ogoni people stood firmly with Wike and the president, adding that Tinubu did not need to campaign in Gokana because of the overwhelming support already in place.
Earlier, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Confidence Deko, pledged the council’s loyalty to Wike, citing the minister’s contributions to the area’s development. He assured that the local government would continue to support him and the president, noting that the people were ready to reciprocate the support they had received.
In his remarks, Wike said the visit was to thank the people of Gokana for their consistent support over the years. He praised their unity and commitment, particularly in backing President Tinubu, and noted that unity was key to attracting development.
The minister also pledged to sustain cooperation with the people of the area, adding that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State were working together in support of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
