Political tension is mounting in Rivers State following a threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to forcibly access the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt for political rallies if permission continues to be denied by the state government.
Wike issued the warning on Friday, January 30, while speaking at the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political group mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Rivers State governor disclosed that his group had formally applied to the state government for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium but was refused, a decision he described as unprecedented. He warned that any further denial would be met with forceful action.
“We applied to the state government to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and they refused. Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it and nothing will happen. Heaven will not fall,” Wike said.
He insisted that Rivers State remains central to political mobilisation in the country and would continue to demonstrate strong support for President Tinubu’s administration. According to him, genuine political support is demonstrated through action rather than rhetoric.
“I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way. Support is not by mouth; we have shown commitment with action,” he stated.
Wike further declared that political activities ahead of future elections had officially commenced, adding that ward-level inaugurations would soon follow across the state.
“I told you that by January we would start playing politics. This is January, and we have started. If you don’t give us the venue, we will break it,” he reiterated.
The minister also questioned the Rivers State Government’s political alignment with President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, suggesting that loyalty to the ruling administration was necessary to attract federal goodwill.
“You cannot have a governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu and you are not aligning. How then do you expect a reward?” he asked.
Wike argued that political rewards are earned through commitment rather than financial investment, stressing that dedication and loyalty are what attract benefits from the centre.
“You don’t need N600 billion. All you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it brings envy,” he added.
His remarks have further heightened political tensions in Rivers State amid ongoing rivalry and divisions within the state’s political landscape.
