Political tensions are escalating in Rivers State following a stern warning issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who threatened to forcefully gain access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for political rallies. Speaking on Friday, January 30, in Port Harcourt, Wike declared that he and his supporters would “break” into the stadium if the Rivers State Government continued to deny them permission to use the facility for their political activities, asserting that “heaven will not fall” if they did so.

Wike's warning was delivered during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political group formed to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. He claimed his group had formally applied to the state government to use the stadium but was denied, a move he described as unprecedented. “Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it and nothing will happen,” Wike reiterated. He maintained that Rivers State would continue to lead in demonstrating support for President Tinubu, emphasizing that political activities for future elections had officially begun. The former Rivers governor also questioned the state government’s loyalty to President Tinubu, suggesting that political alignment was crucial for attracting federal goodwill, stating that rewards stem from commitment rather than financial contributions.

In response, the Rivers State Government swiftly dismissed Wike’s claims, describing them as false, misleading, and politically motivated. Officials explained that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction and is thus unsafe for public use. Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, inspected the facility and affirmed that the stadium is an active work zone unsuitable for public gatherings. Christopher Green, the Commissioner for Sports, Justice, and Attorney-General, further clarified that his office had not received any formal application for the use of the stadium, challenging Wike’s camp to provide evidence of any rejected request.

Site engineer Michael Ebitenye highlighted the delicate condition of the stadium, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground installations and pose serious safety risks. He explained that the project, being executed by Monimichelle Sports Construction Company, is about 55 percent completed and involves sensitive mechanical and hydrological stages, including the installation of over 40,000 pipes beneath the main pitch. Ebitenye stressed that the site’s insurance policy strictly prohibits public access until completion and handover. The state government insisted that the decision was based purely on safety considerations, not politics, and noted that alternative government facilities like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic (where Wike's rally was eventually relocated) remain available for public events.

Dr. Sirawoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, unity, and development, urging political actors to exercise restraint and avoid provocative claims. He also confirmed that checks across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, showed no record of an application for the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Despite the dispute, political leaders present at Wike's rally, including Senator George Sekibo and Okey Chinda, pledged continued support for President Tinubu. The situation underscores the ongoing political dynamics in Rivers State and the broader context of the upcoming 2027 general elections.