Wike: I Have Not Endorsed Any Rivers 2027 Governorship Candidate

ABUJA — FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly denied that he has endorsed any candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election. Vanguard confirmed the minister’s statement on Wednesday. His denial comes amid intense speculation and political manoeuvring about his role in shaping the Rivers 2027 political landscape.

Wike said those attributing specific endorsements to him are misrepresenting his position. He said he retains the right to engage with Rivers State politics but that formal endorsements will come at the appropriate time through appropriate channels. He said no candidate should claim his backing without explicit public confirmation.

The denial is significant because Wike’s endorsement is considered one of the most valuable in Rivers State politics. His network of local government chairmen, ward leaders, and loyal party structures gives whoever he supports a significant grassroots advantage.

The Rivers Landscape

Rivers State’s 2027 political landscape is extraordinarily complex. Governor Fubara, who was reinstated following the lifting of the state of emergency, is unlikely to seek a second gubernatorial term given the constitutional limitation on consecutive terms for a governor who served an interrupted term. However, he will want to influence who succeeds him.

Wike’s reported governorship ambitions have been a subject of political discussion. As a serving federal minister, he would need to resign to contest. His denial of any current endorsement does not preclude his own future candidacy.

The APC in Rivers is simultaneously dealing with the voiding of primary tickets belonging to Wike’s allies by the reinstated party leadership. The party is effectively divided between two power centres with different visions for the state’s political direction. That division is unlikely to heal before the 2027 primary season begins.