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No Sin in Politics: Wike Welcomes Fubara Back to Political Fold

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No Sin in Politics: Wike Welcomes Fubara Back to Political Fold
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike

No Sin in Politics: Wike Welcomes Fubara Back to Political Fold

FCT Minister says governor had “no other choice” but to return to political family that produced him, as reconciliation boosts Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara back into his political fold, declaring that “there is no sin in politics” and insisting that the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that produced him. Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said Fubara’s decision to publicly align once again with his political camp was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. “I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,” the minister said. “Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.” The FCT Minister dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s return amounted to forgiveness after months of political disagreement, saying politics should not be viewed in terms of wrongdoing. “I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.”

Wike recalled that he had predicted Fubara’s return during his last media chat, saying the governor had no alternative but to return to his political roots. “Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward,” he said. The minister also said Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid. “He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” Wike said. Fubara had, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rivien Medical Industry project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State last week, announced that he had returned to Wike’s political family. The governor declared support for the Rainbow Coalition, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, and urged his supporters to back all candidates of the coalition. “The time of war is over. It is now time for peace, and this peace is taking us to another level,” Fubara told supporters. The rapprochement caps a crisis that repeatedly tested Nigeria’s federal structure. The feud erupted months after Fubara took office in May 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, pitting him against Wike loyalists who dominated the State House of Assembly. It escalated into a prolonged standoff over control of the legislature, the local government system, and the state’s finances.

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On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member Assembly, and installing a retired naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as sole administrator. The presidency cited a “total paralysis of governance,” security concerns over pipeline vandalism, and a legislative deadlock. The action drew more than 40 court challenges over its constitutionality and became one of the most contested executive decisions of Tinubu’s tenure. The emergency ran its full six months. During that window, the administrator conducted local government elections on August 30, 2025, in which the All Progressives Congress won 20 of the 23 councils, tightening the party’s grip ahead of 2027. President Tinubu lifted the emergency and reinstated the elected officials on September 18, 2025. Fubara’s realignment has since gathered pace. He formally joined the APC in December 2025, then withdrew from the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 after the national secretariat declined to clear him, paving the way for Hon. Kingsley Chinda to secure the ticket. His endorsement of the coalition now places the governor and his predecessor on the same side for the first time since 2023.

The minister spoke while leading senior officials of the FCT Administration on an inspection of major road projects, including the ongoing ISEX Road Corridor and the nearly completed Apo-Karshi Road, both regarded as strategic infrastructure expected to unlock development across large sections of the capital city. Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, noting that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during the third anniversary commissioning of landmark infrastructure across the FCT. “This road was flagged off during the third anniversary commissioning. We came here today to assess the progress made since the flag-off, and as you can see, the contractor moved to site immediately after the ceremony,” he said. According to the minister, the contractor has assured the administration that the project will be ready for commissioning in December. “I believe them. They are committed to handing over this project by December. We will be very happy because this road will open up the entire area for development,” he stated. The minister also inspected the long-delayed ISEX Road project, describing it as one of the last major inherited infrastructure projects yet to be completed in the FCT. Awarded in 2014, the 10-kilometre road, complete with interchanges, has remained unfinished through successive administrations. Wike disclosed that the contractor had undertaken to complete six kilometres of the road and key interchanges before the end of the year, provided adequate funding is released. “We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the funds is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline,” he explained. He described the project as critical to the transformation of Abuja, saying discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue until the required funds are made available. “This project is very important to us because it will significantly change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.”

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The minister said the near completion of the Apo-Karshi Road and the expected delivery of the ISEX Road would mark the fulfilment of one of the administration’s major promises — to complete inherited projects rather than abandon them. “The Access (ISEX) Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by a previous administration to be completed. Once we achieve that, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise to complete projects inherited from previous administrations instead of allowing them to become abandoned.” Reflecting on the state of infrastructure when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, Wike recalled that abandoned projects littered the capital city, slowing development and denying residents essential infrastructure. “The FCT is the nation’s capital, and having abandoned projects everywhere does not present a good image. When we assumed office in 2023, abandoned projects were scattered across the territory. That situation slowed development, delayed infrastructure delivery and affected communities.” Wike assured that between eight and ten major road projects across the FCT will be completed before the end of the year. The target includes the long-delayed Apo-Karshi road project, initially awarded in 2010 that suffered over a decade of delays. Work is now progressing rapidly under new management following the termination of the former contractor’s engagement over non-performance and its re-award to another company. At the Bwari-Kubwa corridor, the minister acknowledged the difficult terrain confronting engineers on site but cautioned contractors against seeking to push back agreed delivery dates, assuring that the administration would ensure prompt release of funds to enable completion of the road before the onset of heavy rains. Responding to questions on the political calendar and how it might affect project timelines, Wike insisted that governance remains a continuous process driven by President Bola Tinubu’s mandate. “Has the tenure of Mr President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure will be ending precisely May 29, 2027. So, if that is the case, it means that the work has also not ended,” he stated. The minister stressed that continuity in governance, not the pursuit of personal legacy, defines responsible leadership. “Leadership requires continuity. Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy.”

No Sin in Politics: Wike Welcomes Fubara Back to Political Fold

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“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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October 26, 2026

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Fayose's brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

Abuja — Isaac Fayose has fired back at critics in dramatic fashion, declaring he will neither slap Nyesom Wike’s son nor kick President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi out of his presence — but insisting with equal fury that the President must be voted out in 2027.

 

The businessman and younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose ignited a firestorm after photos surfaced of him hanging out with Seyi Tinubu and Joaquin Wike, son of the FCT Minister. Critics immediately accused him of betraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Fayose, however, refused to back down. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he threw a rhetorical punch at his accusers: “Tinubu must go. Wike is a land grabber. That doesn’t mean that Wike’s son will come and greet me and I will slap him. Or President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, will come and greet me and I will kick him.”

 

He doubled down on his loyalty to Obi, declaring: “I campaigned for Obi. Do you know how much I spent on the last election? I still support Peter Obi. I still want Tinubu out of power.”

 

The controversy exploded after Fayose posted a photograph with Joaquin Wike, calling the minister’s son his younger brother. The image set social media ablaze, with users questioning why a self-proclaimed “101% Obidient” supporter would be seen with the family of a top APC figure.

 

It is not the first time Fayose has faced such backlash. In July 2026, a video showed him alongside Seyi Tinubu and socialite Cubana Chief Priest at an Abuja gathering where prayers were offered for the President and Nigeria. Fayose dismissed the meeting as a private social visit, not a political endorsement.

 

The latest storm underscores the fever-pitch sensitivity in opposition circles as political actors jostle for position ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. Fayose insists he is drawing a clear line — political allegiance on one side, personal courtesy on the other — but his critics are not buying it.

 

As of press time, neither the NDC nor Peter Obi’s camp has issued an official statement.

 

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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October 25, 2026

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins
‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to address the economic challenges as he formally launched his campaign for a second term in office.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium, where he urged Nigerians to renew his mandate in the 2027 presidential election.

The President’s comments come amid persistent public concerns over rising food prices, petrol costs, transportation expenses and declining purchasing power, with the economy expected to remain a major issue in the contest for the presidency.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu challenged opposition politicians who have criticised his administration over hunger and poverty, arguing that they were responsible for creating the problems they now accuse his government of failing to resolve.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger, they created poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” the President said.

Tinubu defended his administration’s economic policies, maintaining that his government was taking steps to improve the country’s finances, promote development and create conditions for greater prosperity.

He also commended APC governors for their efforts in their respective states and promised Nigerians improved economic opportunities if he secured a second term.

“To you, the children of our country, we promise prosperity in our second term. You will not regret going to the polls,” he told the gathering.

The President urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the forthcoming election. He also called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates at the presidential, governorship and legislative levels.

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Tinubu further defended his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, insisting that the country would not return to the previous arrangement.

“Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” he said.

The removal of the petrol subsidy, announced shortly after Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, remains one of the most consequential and controversial economic decisions of his administration.

The government has argued that the policy would reduce public expenditure, eliminate distortions in the petroleum market and free up resources for development. However, the increase in petrol prices following the reform has contributed to higher transportation and distribution costs, putting additional pressure on households and businesses.

The administration’s economic reforms, including changes to the foreign exchange system, have also generated debate over their long-term benefits and immediate effects on living standards.

Opposition politicians have repeatedly questioned the government’s management of the economy, arguing that the reforms have imposed significant hardship on Nigerians without delivering sufficient relief.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised Tinubu’s attempt to blame opposition parties for the country’s economic difficulties.

Atiku argued that the APC had governed Nigeria since 2015, first under former President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequently under Tinubu, and should therefore accept responsibility for the country’s economic conditions during its period in power.

He maintained that Nigerians were experiencing significant hardship under the current administration and urged the President to address the concerns of citizens rather than blame political opponents.

The exchange highlights the growing political contest over responsibility for hunger, poverty and the cost-of-living crisis as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the Kaduna rally, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also urged Nigerians, particularly voters in the North, to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Shettima recalled Tinubu’s previous support for northern presidential aspirants, including Atiku in 2007, Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He argued that Tinubu had demonstrated political support for northern interests and called on voters to reciprocate.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also appealed to northern voters to back the President, pointing to federal infrastructure projects, education initiatives and security interventions.

The rally attracted prominent APC figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, campaign Director-General Abdulaziz Yari, ministers, lawmakers and governors.

The event marked the beginning of Tinubu’s campaign for another presidential term, with the President asking Nigerians to give his administration additional time to pursue its economic and development agenda.

However, the debate over the causes of Nigeria’s economic hardship is likely to remain central to the election campaign. While the APC is defending its reforms and promising improved prosperity, opposition parties are demanding greater accountability for the impact of government policies on food affordability, employment, household incomes and living standards.

As the 2027 election approaches, voters will have to assess the competing claims of the ruling party and the opposition against their own experiences of the economy and the policy proposals presented by the candidates.

‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

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2 days ago

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October 25, 2026

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2027 election: Tinubu's retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso

2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on northern voters to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region owes the President a political debt for his longstanding support for northern leaders, including the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Shettima made the appeal on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign launch in Kaduna, where he urged voters to support Tinubu and other APC candidates across the country in the forthcoming general elections.

According to the Vice-President, Tinubu’s political history demonstrates a consistent willingness to support leaders from the North, making it imperative for the region to reciprocate by backing his administration for another four-year term.

“We have come to ask you to renew a second time for the APC from top to bottom,” Shettima said.

He cited Tinubu’s role in supporting political figures from the North, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said the President had provided a platform to contest the presidency in 2007 following his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Shettima also recalled Tinubu’s support for Buhari during the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, describing the former Lagos State governor’s loyalty as evidence of honour and political commitment.

“And you can bear witness that in 2015 and 2019, President Tinubu stood solidly behind the late President Muhammadu Buhari, throughout his first and second term victories. This is a mark of honour and our faith in a man of honour,” he said.

Beyond appealing to the North on the basis of political loyalty, Shettima defended the Tinubu administration’s performance, highlighting projects and institutional developments he said demonstrated its commitment to national growth and the development of Kaduna State.

He said the administration had promised to restore Kaduna’s status as a leading centre of learning and pointed to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the transition of the institution in Zaria to a federal university of education and the establishment of a state vocational institute in Rigachikun as evidence of progress.

The Vice-President also listed major infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Kano-Maradi railway, the Lagos-Kano rail corridor and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, as part of the administration’s development agenda.

He further highlighted ongoing work on the Sokoto-Badagry highway, describing the project as a strategic investment that could expand agricultural production and unlock economic opportunities across the country.

According to Shettima, the highway would improve connectivity, open up agricultural communities and strengthen the movement of goods and services, with potential benefits for farmers and businesses.

His appeal in Kaduna combined a call for political reciprocity with a defence of the administration’s record, as the APC seeks to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Vice-President urged northern voters to consider Tinubu’s past political alliances and the administration’s stated achievements in deciding whether to renew the President’s mandate.

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