ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to withdraw from the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Rivers State. Speaking to journalists on Monday, May 25, 2026, after an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike characterized the governor's exit as a predictable outcome of a pre-existing political pact.
The "No Second Term" Agreement
Addressing the controversy surrounding the governor’s initial interest in the race, Wike asserted that Fubara should not have purchased the nomination form in the first place. According to the Minister, the political resolution that halted the governor's impeachment process included a clear stipulation regarding the future of the state's leadership.
"I wasn’t surprised because, in the first place, he ought not to have collected the form," Wike stated. "This is because an agreement was reached that his impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go for a second term."
Fubara, who emerged as governor in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Wike’s support, formally withdrew from the APC primary last week, citing the need for "peace, stability, and unity" in Rivers State. He remains the serving Governor of Rivers State.
Endorsement of Kingsley Chinda
With the gubernatorial race shifting focus, Wike spoke positively about the emergence of Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, as the APC standard-bearer for the 2027 Rivers governorship election. Wike touted Chinda’s political acumen, legislative experience, and influence as evidence of his readiness to govern Rivers State.
Focus on FCT Infrastructure
Following his comments on the Rivers political landscape, the Minister highlighted the progress of key infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, framing them as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda:
• Airport Road to Kuje Expressway: Wike praised the scale and engineering standards of the work, labeling it a "fantastic job."
• Kuje to Gwagwalada Road: The Minister noted that the completed first phase has significantly transformed the local landscape.
• Renewed Hope City, Karsana: With the access road project now 98% complete, Wike emphasized that the administration's infrastructure drive is a direct response to residents' demands for development.
• City Gate Remodelling: Wike lauded the new look of the structure and commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for initiating the project, noting that these developments are now ready for inauguration.
