Wike’s Loyalty Test: Rivers 2027 and the Politics of Control
By Nwafor Oji Awala The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has once again stirred the political waters in Rivers State—this time with a blunt declaration that only absolute loyalty will earn his endorsement ahead of the 2027 governorship race. Speaking in Abuja while receiving PDP delegates from Rivers State, Wike left no room for ambiguity: any aspirant seeking his backing must be wholly committed to him and his political interests. No compromises. No divided allegiance. This statement is more than political rhetoric—it is a window into the enduring grip of godfatherism in Rivers politics. Wike’s insistence on total loyalty suggests a determination to avoid a repeat of past political fallouts, particularly his widely publicized rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. But beyond personal lessons, the comment raises broader questions about the future of democratic choice in the state. Should leadership be determined by allegiance to an individual, or b...