Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister, denied backing any candidate for Rivers' 2027 gubernatorial race on Wednesday. He made the clarification during his monthly media briefing in Abuja.
According to him, any endorsement must wait for a joint coalition meeting in the state. "I haven't endorsed anybody," Wike told reporters.
"I can't endorse anybody until the joint coalition meets."
Speculation has swirled about Governor Siminalayi Fubara's political future beyond 2027. Some reports suggested Wike favored former State Works Commissioner Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly for the top job.
Sources claim Wike settled on Kelly following closed-door talks with major political players in Port Harcourt on Monday. The minister's latest statement appears to contradict these earlier reports about his preference.
Questions remain about whether Fubara will seek re-election or step aside. Political observers in Rivers say the coming weeks will clarify Wike's true position on the 2027 race.
