Nyesom Wike has named his preferred candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape. During a recent thank-you visit to the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area on January 3rd, 2026, the Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, identified Honourable Boma Iyaye, the current executive director of finance and administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as his chosen successor. Wike’s endorsement highlights Iyaye’s long-standing loyalty and commitment to their political alliance, suggesting a desire to rectify past decisions.
Wike openly admitted that supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s campaign in 2023 was a significant mistake he aims to correct in the upcoming 2027 elections. This candid admission has fueled speculation about his next political moves and potential alliances within Rivers State.
Sources close to the former Rivers governor suggest that Wike might back Honourable Boma Iyaye on an alternative political platform, moving away from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is reportedly due to the national leadership of these major parties potentially favoring Governor Sim Fubara as their 2027 governorship candidate.
What is Nyesom Wike’s current political position? Nyesom Wike is currently the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, formerly serving as the governor of Rivers State.
While this remains speculative, Wike and his allies are reportedly considering the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a viable alternative to the APC and PDP. The belief is that if the perceived conspiracy against his political interests in Rivers State is real, he would lead his supporters to the NDP, with Honourable Boma Iyaye potentially running on the party’s governorship ticket.
This unhatched plan is reportedly met with reservations, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key members of the presidency are said to be averse to Wike sponsoring a candidate against whoever emerges as the APC’s governorship candidate in Rivers State.
However, Wike, who believes his political survival and relevance are tied to the Rivers State governorship seat, is reportedly determined to unseat Governor Sim Fubara in 2027, with his loyalist taking over as the state’s governor.
How does Nyesom Wike plan to influence the 2027 election? Nyesom Wike plans to influence the 2027 election by endorsing and potentially sponsoring his preferred candidate, Honourable Boma Iyaye, possibly on an alternative political platform if his preferred major party candidates are not aligned with his interests.
This strategic maneuver underscores Wike’s continued influence and his commitment to maintaining a strong political foothold in Rivers State.
The political maneuvering surrounding the 2027 Rivers governorship election is intensifying, with Nyesom Wike’s latest pronouncements adding a significant layer of intrigue.
His past decisions and current strategies are being closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders across the nation.
The potential alignment with the NDP, if it materializes, could reshape the electoral dynamics for the state.
This development highlights the complex nature of political alliances and the constant pursuit of power in Nigerian politics.
Understanding the motivations behind Wike’s choices is key to deciphering the future political direction of Rivers State.
