Video: Wike comments on Fubara’s exit from Rivers governorship race amid feud

Abdullateef Fowewe

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said he was “not surprised” by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to withdraw from the governorship contest.

Wike while speaking with reporters reiterated that the move followed a prior agreement between him and the governor.

“I am not surprised that Governor Fubara withdrew from the governorship race. He was not even supposed to collect the governorship form because an agreement was reached that the impeachment proceedings against him would be dropped, and he would not seek a second term,” Wike said, framing the withdrawal as fulfilment of that understanding.

Wike criticised Fubara for initially collecting nomination forms, calling that action a breach of the deal reached in the wake of their protracted political rift — a feud that began after Fubara succeeded Wike as governor of Rivers State.

The unfolding episode has drawn public reaction, with many Nigerians expressing frustration at the role of informal pacts and so-called “godfather” politics in democratic processes.