Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not automatically secure a return ticket for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the 2027 governorship election.

Wike made the remark amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, stressing that political loyalty to the President does not translate into automatic endorsement or guarantees for future electoral ambitions.

According to the former governor, political support must be genuine and timely, noting that many political actors had shown commitment to President Tinubu long before recent realignments. He argued that last-minute support or public declarations of loyalty should not be mistaken for entitlement to political rewards.

Wike also dismissed the notion that aligning with the ruling party or the President alone is sufficient to secure re-election, emphasizing that internal party dynamics, credibility, and performance remain key factors in determining political outcomes.

The statement is widely seen as part of the deepening political rift between Wike and Governor Fubara, which has reshaped the political landscape in Rivers State and heightened speculation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers say Wike’s comments signal that the contest for Rivers State’s governorship ticket will be fiercely contested and not solely determined by presidential support.