Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to critics and political detractors to refrain from interfering in Rivers State politics, cautioning that any such attempt would lead to severe consequences. During a “Thank You” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike declared that those who had previously tried to meddle in the state's affairs had ultimately regretted their actions. He emphatically stated, “Leave Rivers State alone. Ask those who tried it before how far they went. If you put your hand and it gets burnt, that is your concern.”

Wike specifically challenged the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, urging him to learn from the experiences of those who had previously confronted political forces in Rivers State. This caution came in response to earlier reactions from Basiru and the national Chairman of APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding a controversy over who holds the “001” position for APC in Rivers State. Basiru and Yilwatda had stated that the standard practice in the APC is for the governor to lead the party structures in their respective states. Wike, however, vehemently dismissed this position, insisting that the current governor of Rivers State could not assume such a role.

Further escalating his challenge, Wike dared critics to demonstrate their political prowess by uniting two major political parties in a single state. He asserted, “Let anyone who has the capacity to unite two major political parties in a state come out and show that it can successfully merge the APC and PDP to work together. If it is easy, try it and see what it takes. This is the only state where you see the two major political parties working together.” He emphasized the urgency of correcting “mistakes” made during the 2023 elections in Rivers State, declaring it a “now or never” situation, irrespective of the cost.

The FCT Minister also reiterated that the support extended to President Bola Tinubu during the last election was a voluntary decision made by his camp. He remarked, “Nobody forced us. We took a decision, and when the challenges came, those who pushed him all ran away.” Addressing the Oyigbo populace, Wike urged them to replicate the unwavering support they provided him in the 2023 elections for the upcoming polls, stating, “There is nothing I have asked from you that you did not give me. We are not an ungrateful people. In 2023, we took a risk, and today we can see where we are, so let’s replicate it in 2027.”

The political tensions were further highlighted by previous remarks from the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who had referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “the so-called governor” and claimed Fubara could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing. In stark contrast, Ajibola Basiru described Giadom’s comments as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that the office of the governor, regardless of political differences, commands respect. Basiru stated in a Facebook post that “whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have.”

In his continued response, Wike directly warned Basiru again, declaring Rivers State a “no-go area” for external political interference. He advised the APC National Secretary to learn from others who had previously attempted to meddle, stating he would not be responsible if Basiru’s “hands got burnt.” Wike's message was clear: “Take this message to your National Secretary—leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr. President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.” He added, “This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken; stop making unnecessary comments.”

Locally, the Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, alleged a lack of meaningful development in Oyigbo since Wike's departure from office. Speaking in the local dialect, Akawor boldly told Governor Fubara to prepare to vacate Government House next year, claiming the people would not vote for him again. He credited Wike with the “liberation” of the area, suggesting that without his intervention, Oyigbo might have endured regular shutdowns akin to those in parts of the South-East. Other local leaders, including Oyigbo Local Government Area Chairman Okechukwu Akara Nworgu, former council chairman Gerald Oforji, and former lawmaker Chisom Dike, reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty and assured Wike of continued support, pledging to correct perceived mistakes of 2023 in the 2027 elections.