The battle for the governorship of Rivers State in 2027 has already begun with his Excellency the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital territory, Bar. Nyesom Ezenwo WIKE and his old political allies doing everything possible to keep their loyalist intact.
The lingering battle between Wike and his political protege His Excellency the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir siminalayi Fubara shows no sign of abating as they both go after each others throat.
Recall that three months into office, lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister headed by Honorable Martins Amaewhule tried in a bid to impeach His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara and since then, relationship between Wike and Fubara has gone from bad to worst as all efforts towards reconciliation proved abortive.
Wike remains the only former Governor in the history of Rivers State politics to successfully install a successor against all odds.
The FCT Minister still commands a towering influence in the State and Federal level while maintaining a good relationship with the Police, Judiciary and all relevant agencies.
His followers in the 23 Local Governments still remain very active and ready to mobilize if the need arises.
Wike’s old political allies which includes: His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara,Former People Democratic Party chairman; Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Lee Maeba, Former Governors of Rivers State Sir Dr. Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara etc are all united to make sure that Wike does not have his way in the 2027 Governorship election.
Feeling frustrated with Wike’s iron grip in the People Democratic Party, and in a bid to control Local Government structure, loyalist of Sir Siminalayi Fubara decamped to the Action People Party to contest the October 2024 Local Government election winning 22 out of 23 Local Government positions in an election which was highly disputed and criticized to be anything but fair.
The weeks and months leading to 2027 Governorship election promises to be full of drama as both camps continue to strategize on how to come out victorious.
By IKECHI EVANS OSI
