The political landscape in Rivers State is gripped by an escalating rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This deepening crisis was underscored by Wike's recent thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, where he launched a sharp attack on Governor Fubara and declared his political career would suffer irreparable damage if Fubara secures a second term in office.

During his visit, Wike asserted that the same political forces now being criticized as “barking dogs” were instrumental in Fubara's ascension to the governorship. He stated, “That same dog barked and helped make you governor. This dog that is barking now was barking when people did not even know who the person was.” Wike hinted at significant political realignments, stating that former rivals were now uniting, signifying an end to “no-go areas” in the state’s politics. He emphasized a collective decision to work together, stating, “We will not make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct that mistake.” Dismissing criticisms of his political camp's electoral strength, Wike argued that political success is a result of effective organization and mobilization, not mere speculative projections.

The FCT Minister also addressed personal criticisms, particularly a “semi-illiterate” tag, by defending his academic and political credentials. He highlighted his legal education, status as a Life Bencher, and national honor, contrasting it with critics who allegedly lacked electoral success and university completion. Wike refuted allegations that he orchestrated legal or political challenges against opponents, clarifying that some cases predated any attributed influence. He specifically referenced a 2016 prosecution where an individual escaped prison due to immunity, questioning why he was now being blamed for similar problems faced by others.

A key moment of Wike's visit was the public declaration of support from the Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People’s Congress, which formally announced its withdrawal of backing for Governor Fubara to align with Wike. Senator George Sekibo, Chairman of the congress, acknowledged the feud as “very unfortunate” but affirmed the Ijaw people’s gratitude towards Wike. Similarly, Akuro Tobin, Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, described Wike as his political godfather, acknowledging his support for numerous local indigenes. Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, representing Okrika women, also praised Wike’s unprecedented support for women.

In response to these developments, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State took decisive action, suspending its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Robinson Ewor, for openly supporting Minister Wike. Ewor had accused Governor Fubara of deceiving party leaders and supporters during the political crisis and abandoning the party, alleging that Fubara defected to the APC. The PDP leadership, however, reaffirmed that Wike himself had been expelled from the party and therefore had no right to interfere in its affairs. Mr. Ogbam Ojimah assumed the role of acting caretaker chairman, pledging loyalty to the national PDP leadership and distancing the party from Ewor's pro-Wike utterances.

The intense political climate in Rivers State was further highlighted by an alarming incident of political violence. Suspected thugs invaded a hotel in Orazi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, disrupting a live Arise TV interview featuring former Commissioner Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. Eyewitnesses reported the attackers, believed to be politically motivated, forcefully broke into rooms, chanted in a local dialect, and seized mobile phones, specifically searching for Nwibubasa and the Arise TV cameraman. Broadcast equipment, including a Sony Canada Z280 camera, industrial tripod, and wireless microphones, were stolen. The police intervened swiftly, ensuring the safe escort of Dr. Nwibubasa and the journalists to a police station. Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the attack as a dangerous signal for democratic engagement, especially as he was discussing the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Wike declared a firm decision had been made, stating, “If we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried.” He accused Fubara of violating a peace agreement that restored him to office after the lifting of emergency rule. Wike questioned Fubara’s leadership ability, pointing to his alleged inability to relate with local government chairmen, state assembly members, and national assembly members. He also dismissed the idea that Fubara’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would automatically guarantee re-election, asserting that only candidates with "proven character" would receive his team's backing. During a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, Wike appealed to the traditional ruler to avoid direct involvement in partisan politics, emphasizing that politicians should be allowed to “play their game.”