Fubara has returned to us, we’ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Wike

By Tolulope Oke

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike says Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has corrected his political mistakes and returned to the camp that made him governor.

Wike also declared that both camps would now work together to secure Rivers votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The minister spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja with senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

He was reacting to Fubara’s declaration of support for the Rainbow Coalition during the inauguration of the Rivers Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt on July 22.

At the event, Fubara also endorsed Kingsley Chinda, a close ally of Wike and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, as his preferred successor.

Wike said there was nothing wrong with a politician admitting mistakes and retracing his steps.

“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

“What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.”

Wike said he had always maintained that Fubara had no viable political future outside the structure that brought him to power.

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him,” the minister said.

“I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him.

“Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.”

The former Rivers governor said Fubara’s return would strengthen political cooperation in the state and boost Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.

“He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind,” Wike said.

“We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.”

Wike and Fubara had been locked in a prolonged political battle that divided Rivers and triggered impeachment moves against the governor by lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister.

The crisis later eased after both camps reached a truce.

Fubara subsequently withdrew from the APC governorship primary after he was initially screened alongside Chinda.

The governor said he stepped down in the interest of peace, unity and political stability in Rivers.