Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the political tensions in Rivers State, mocking Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race and backing House of Representatives member, Kingsley Chinda, as a strong contender.

Wike spoke on Monday while briefing journalists during an inspection tour of major infrastructure projects in Abuja.

The former Rivers State governor revealed that a political understanding allegedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu formed the basis of the crisis, claiming that Fubara had agreed to step away from a second-term ambition in exchange for the dropping of impeachment threats by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to him, although Fubara later complied with part of the arrangement, the governor’s decision to pick up nomination forms amounted to a breach of trust.

“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” Wike said.

“By collecting the form first, he didn’t show signs of gentlemanship. He didn’t show that sign, and that was not expected.”

He added that repeated interventions by President Tinubu were aimed at preventing the escalation of the political crisis.

Wike also expressed confidence in the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as a preferred political figure, describing him as experienced and widely accepted.

“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material. He’s quite experienced,” he said.

The minister further noted that Chinda’s political profile made him a natural choice, suggesting he had been approached by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest under its platform.

Wike made the remarks while also highlighting progress on several FCT infrastructure projects, including the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, the Old Keffi Road in Dei-Dei, the Airport Road–Kuje corridor, and the City Gate project.

He praised contractors handling the projects, particularly Julius Berger, which he said had committed to delivering the City Gate project by late May or early June.

Wike also described the project as a “brainchild” of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, commending her involvement in its conception and execution.