Wike holds greater political significance for Tinubu than Fubara – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has stated that President Bola Tinubu will not abandon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in favour of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, despite the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.

Fayose made the remark during a Tuesday interview on Arise Television while commenting on the protracted power tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which has continued to destabilise the state’s political landscape.

According to Fayose, Wike holds greater political significance for President Tinubu than Fubara, noting that the President has no compelling reason to distance himself from the former Rivers governor.

“The Asiwaju I know will not dump Wike for Fubara. Wike left Rivers to support President Tinubu,” Fayose said.

He added that Wike’s importance to the President is closely linked to his performance as FCT minister and his ability to deliver political gains for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“Wike is performing in Abuja. We’ve not had it this good before; even the blind can attest to that,” he said. “APC won the local government elections in Rivers because of Wike, and the party will also win the upcoming council elections in Abuja. So what more does the President want from him?”

Fayose’s comments come amid impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Fubara. The lawmakers have accused the governor of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the assembly complex, spending outside approved budgets, and disobeying a Supreme Court judgment on legislative autonomy.

The impeachment move follows a long-running feud between Wike and Fubara, which began in late 2023 and centres on control of Rivers State’s political machinery, including the Peoples Democratic Party structure and the State Assembly.

Although the Assembly has denied acting on Wike’s influence, reports suggest President Tinubu has stepped in to mediate the crisis.

Reacting to claims that Fubara sought Tinubu’s intervention, Fayose described the move as a sign of political overconfidence by the Rivers governor.

“If Fubara went to meet the President, it shows he needs help. When you refuse to humble yourself and seek peace, you end up running around. What he needs is already within his reach,” Fayose said.

Fayose also addressed the internal problems facing the Peoples Democratic Party, rejecting suggestions that President Tinubu was responsible for the opposition party’s woes.

“The PDP’s problems are not caused by Asiwaju,” he said. “If there is trouble in my house, it’s not my neighbour’s fault.”

He concluded by describing the PDP as a party weakened by internal strife and self-inflicted divisions, noting that it has become “a house divided against itself.”