Isaac Fayose warns that Wike and Fubara cannot deliver Rivers State election for APC or Tinubu in 2027 without manipulation.
Isaac Fayose, social commentator and brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has raised serious doubts about the ability of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to deliver the state election victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without resorting to electoral manipulation.
Fayose expressed his concerns in a video shared on his Facebook page on Saturday, while commenting on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
According to him, the prolonged feud between the former governor and his successor is motivated less by public interest and more by a struggle for control over the state’s substantial resources.
“Make we no deceive ourselves,” Fayose stated.
“Both Wike and Fubara, none of them can win Rivers election for APC or Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 without rigging. The only person that can win Rivers State for Tinubu is INEC and the Police, not Fubara and not Wike.”
Fayose alleged that Wike and Fubara are primarily focused on financial control rather than governance.
“Wike and Fubara are fighting for Rivers’ resources. Fubara has saved a lot of money, and Wike is looking at this money. That is what they are fighting for,” he explained.
He also argued that neither political camp enjoys sufficient grassroots support to secure a credible electoral victory for the APC in Rivers State, particularly if the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains on the ballot in 2027.
“If Peter Obi is on the ballot, neither Wike nor Fubara can get 25 per cent of the total votes cast for APC in Rivers State,” Fayose asserted.
The social commentator further criticised the recent political tours and campaigns conducted by both factions. He described them as largely ineffective and driven by financial inducements rather than genuine voter engagement.
“All the tours they have been doing to grease people’s hands in poverty are not up to 30,000 people,” he said.
“The real voters in Rivers State are just looking at them.”
Fayose’s comments come amid a period of heightened political tension in Rivers State, where divisions within the ruling party have raised questions about internal cohesion and the APC’s electoral prospects.
Analysts note that political battles in the state are often influenced by local power structures, control of resources, and the ability to mobilize grassroots support—a combination that Fayose argues is currently lacking for both Wike and Fubara.
Political observers have long pointed out that Rivers State has become a significant battleground for national elections, with outcomes in the state often viewed as a bellwether for broader regional trends.
With APC seeking to consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, the party faces serious challenges, including strong opposition from the Labour Party, internal divisions, and the perception that its leaders cannot independently secure victory without external support.
Fayose’s analysis also highlights the critical role of institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the state’s electoral process.
“The only person that can win Rivers State for Tinubu is INEC and the Police,” he repeated, underlining concerns over the credibility and independence of the electoral process in the state.
Meanwhile, the political rivalry between Wike and Fubara has intensified over recent months, with both camps engaging in public statements, rallies, and outreach programs aimed at consolidating support.
Despite these efforts, Fayose maintains that these activities are largely symbolic and unlikely to translate into actual votes without significant manipulation.
The former Ekiti State governor’s brother stressed that understanding the dynamics of Rivers State election requires looking beyond surface-level campaigns.
According to Fayose, the electorate is increasingly aware of attempts to influence votes through monetary inducements and is closely monitoring the unfolding political struggle.
“The real voters in Rivers State are just looking at them,” he reiterated.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the comments by Fayose serve as a reminder of the complexities facing political actors in Rivers State.
