GOKANA, Rivers State — A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara cannot secure political victory in Rivers State without the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the state’s undisputed leader.
The National Vice Chairman of the APC for the South-South, Hon. Victor Giadom, made the assertion on Tuesday during a visit by Wike to Gokana Local Government Area, stating that every electoral contest in the state must pass through the former governor.
“I guarantee… the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu. There is no political force here other than Wike,” Giadom said.
“For Governor Fubara to win anything here, he must pass through Wike.”
The event, organized as a thank-you tour by Wike, drew a coalition of political figures from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscoring the minister’s cross-party influence in the oil-rich state.
Political Heavyweights Pledge Allegiance
Former Senator Magnus Abe reinforced Giadom’s position, stating that the people of Gokana had already chosen their political direction.
“Wike is a unifier, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed,” Abe said.
“Tell President Tinubu not to bother campaigning in Gokana; we are already for him.”
The Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, and the Chairman of Gokana Local Government, Mr. Confidence Deko, also pledged total loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu, describing the area as a “no-go zone” for opposing forces.
Wike Preaches Unity, Patience
In his response, Wike said his visit was solely to appreciate the people for their longstanding support and commended their unity behind the Tinubu administration.
“When you are united, good things will come,” Wike stated, urging the community to remain patient and follow their leaders when the time is right.
He also highlighted the collaborative political atmosphere in the state, noting the presence of both PDP and APC members at the gathering as evidence of cohesion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statements from key figures in Gokana signal deepening political realignments in Rivers State and present a direct challenge to Governor Fubara’s autonomy ahead of future elections.
