The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again spoken boldly about his political influence in Rivers State, dismissing the chances of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and insisting he remains a major force in the state.

"You cannot wish me away"

According to Wike, he would only have reason to worry if Amaechi stood a realistic chance of a significant political comeback in Rivers State.

The former Rivers governor made it clear that leaving Government House in Port Harcourt has not reduced his influence or weakened the structures he built over the years.

"I am not a governor, I am a minister, but you cannot wish me away in Rivers State, because the people know what I stand for and because of the people I have raised," Wike said.

His statement appears to be a direct message to those who believe his appointment as FCT Minister has taken him away from the centre of Rivers politics.

Claims about the APC

Wike also claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had little political strength in Rivers State before he decided to support the party.

"Before I decided to support the APC, the party did not exist in Rivers State," he said.

That is a bold claim, given the long rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, who both served as governors of Rivers State at different times.

"I have killed the Obi wave"

Wike did not limit his remarks to Rivers. He also turned his attention to the movement around NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, claiming he had already weakened its influence in the FCT.

"As for the NDC, I have killed the Obi wave in the FCT," he said.

The remarks reflect Wike's confidence in his political strength, although his claims about the APC and about Obi's support remain his own assessment.

The road to 2027

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the political battle in Rivers State is expected to draw even more attention. Wike, Amaechi and other influential figures may once again find themselves on opposing sides as parties prepare for another contest.

For now, Wike is making one thing clear to his opponents: he may no longer be governor, but he has no intention of surrendering his influence in Rivers State.

Over to you

Is Wike still as politically powerful in Rivers State as he believes, or will the 2027 elections reveal a different picture?

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has spoken about the political future of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara.

What he said

Responding to questions at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Wike reportedly said Fubara is a young man and cannot say his political future is gone. He said that not being a minister today does not mean he will not be one tomorrow.

Background

Fubara succeeded Wike as Rivers governor in 2023, but the two fell out soon afterwards, leading to a long political crisis in the state that included a period of emergency rule. The pair later reconciled, and Fubara has backed Wike's Rainbow Coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Fubara is not expected to seek a second term as governor in 2027, and Kingsley Chinda is the APC governorship candidate in the state, though a suit seeking to disqualify him is due for hearing on 10 December. At the same media chat, Wike denied any role in the court ruling that made Rochas Okorocha the APC's Imo West Senate candidate.

Why it matters

Wike's comments suggest that Fubara may be offered a role in the federal government in future, as part of the political arrangements in Rivers.

How people reacted

Supporters of both men welcomed the comments, while critics said Rivers politics was being decided by a few powerful figures.

A political group in Kogi State has come to the defence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate her.

What happened

The Obi–Kwankwaso Movement had reportedly called on the EFCC to look into a cash empowerment programme organised by the senator, who represents Kogi Central. In a statement on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the Kogi Central Progressive Elites, through its president, Abdullahi Omeiza, said the call was driven by political calculations rather than a genuine interest in accountability, and was aimed at limiting the senator's growing influence ahead of the 2027 elections. The group challenged the movement to submit any evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than make public declarations. The EFCC has not said whether it has received or acted on any petition.

Background

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator since 2023, has been in the news over a long dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her suspension from the Senate. She has a large following and has been involved in community programmes in her district. This week she said she follows the EFCC on social media because she wants Kogi to recover funds she said were owed to the state.

What happens next

It is not clear whether the EFCC will investigate. The senator has not publicly responded to the call.

Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno has declared Friday, 6 November 2026, a work-free day in the state ahead of a visit by President Bola Tinubu.

The visit

The governor made the announcement after inspecting projects lined up for commissioning during the visit, including the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, according to reports. He described the visit as timely and significant for the state's development and urged residents to come out and welcome the President. A rally in support of Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid is also planned.

Background

Eno was elected governor in 2023 on the PDP platform and later joined the APC. He is one of several governors who have defected to the ruling party and endorsed the President's re-election. The visit comes shortly after Tinubu returned from Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah. Uyo will also host the Super Eagles' AFCON qualifier against Tanzania on 13 November.

Reactions

Supporters welcomed the visit and the new projects.

Two-state trip

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President will leave Abuja on Friday for a two-day visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. After commissioning projects in Uyo, he will attend an APC rally in Port Harcourt, his third campaign outing since the start of his re-election drive.

Security measures

Akwa Ibom police commissioner Baba Azare banned the use of drones, fireworks and other devices that could cause panic during the visit, and said access would be restricted on major roads including Airport Road, Iron Road and Ring Road III leading to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. He urged other parties to reschedule events planned for Friday. Projects due to be inaugurated include the new terminal at Victor Attah International Airport, an Aviation Village, the Ring Road III extension and a resort park in Uyo.

What happens next

Security is expected to be tight in Uyo during the visit.