The ongoing political rift in Rivers State took another turn as APC stalwart Victor Giadom declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara cannot secure any meaningful victory in the state without passing through former Governor Nyesom Wike.
DDM gathered that Giadom made the statement during a closed-door briefing with party stakeholders, warning that Fubara’s political strategies must account for Wike’s enduring influence across the state.
He emphasized that Wike remains a kingmaker in Rivers politics, with deep grassroots networks and loyal support that cannot be ignored by any political aspirant, including the sitting governor.
According to Giadom, any attempt to bypass Wike’s structures or diminish his political relevance would be counterproductive and could jeopardize Fubara’s chances in upcoming elections.
The APC chieftain further stressed that political victories in Rivers are not just about party affiliation but hinge on building alliances with key regional power brokers who command respect among the electorate.
He described the Rivers political terrain as a delicate balance where influence, loyalty, and negotiation determine outcomes, noting that Wike’s endorsement or tacit approval could make or break campaigns.
Observers noted that Giadom’s remarks deepen existing tensions between Fubara and Wike, highlighting a power struggle that has long simmered within the state’s political elite.
Political analysts suggest that Fubara now faces the challenge of reconciling party objectives with local political realities, navigating a landscape where Wike’s shadow looms large over electoral prospects.
DDM reports that while Fubara has cultivated his base and pursued governance initiatives to consolidate support, Giadom insists that political calculations cannot disregard Wike’s continued clout among voters and party operatives.
The statement has sparked reactions across political circles, with some perceiving it as strategic advice to promote collaboration, while others view it as a stark warning of the influence Wike still wields over Rivers politics.
Fubara’s next moves are now under intense scrutiny, as party leaders and analysts await his response to Giadom’s assertion that success in the state is inseparable from engagement with Wike’s political machinery.
As Rivers State prepares for future electoral contests, the discourse underscores the enduring importance of alliances, negotiation, and respect for established power structures in determining political outcomes.
