Leaders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo zones have withdrawn their support for Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Instead, they have thrown their weight behind Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike.
The leaders made this decision at the “Ogoni, Oyigbo People’s Assembly” held on Saturday in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area.
The assembly aimed to foster unity between the two ethnic zones and was attended by politicians loyal to Wike.
Prominent personalities, including Senators Barinada Mpigi and Magnus Abe, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, and Chief Victor Giadom, attended the meeting. The group emphasized that after years of marginalization, it was time for Ogoni and Oyigbo to produce the next governor of Rivers State.
Speaking on behalf of the assembly, Senator Mpigi declared that the Ogoni and Oyigbo Peoples Assembly had reaffirmed their support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and pledged total loyalty to Wike.
They also reiterated that the senatorial district’s upland is due for a governor and should produce the next governor of Rivers State come 2027.
Tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara have been mounting, with Wike publicly withdrawing his support for his former ally.
Wike has accused Fubara of straying from their shared vision for the state. Wike’s loyalists have now aligned themselves with the push for an Ogoni or Oyigbo candidate, further isolating Fubara politically.
