January 30, (THEWILL) — Political tension in Rivers State escalated on Friday, January 30, 2026, following a warning by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he and his supporters would forcefully access the Yakubu Gowon Stadium if the state government continues to deny them permission to use public venues.
Wike issued the warning in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political group backing President Bola Tinubus 2027 re-election bid.
The former governor revealed that his group had formally applied to the state government to use the stadium for the event but was declined, an act he described as politically motivated and unprecedented.
He declared that if another application is refused, his supporters will break into the facility, asserting that heaven will not fall if they take it by force.
Wike insisted that Rivers State remains at the forefront of political mobilization for the President and noted that support must be demonstrated through commitment rather than rhetoric.
The FCT Minister announced that political activities for the 2027 General Elections have officially commenced.
He challenged the state leadership on its alignment with the federal government, questioning how they expect political rewards without openly declaring support for the Renewed Hope agenda.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting the Ijaw coalition in preparation for upcoming by-elections on February 21.
Other speakers at the event, including Senator George Sekibo and House of Representatives Minority Leader Okey Chinda, reaffirmed their support for the Tinubu administration.
They cited federal appointments and infrastructure projects as reasons for their continued loyalty. The event featured the presentation of brand-new buses to facilitate group mobilization across the state.
The Rivers State Government has previously justified venue restrictions on safety grounds or conflicting schedules, but Wikes camp maintains the denials are part of a broader attempt to stifle his political influence.
The latest confrontation underscores the deepening rift between the minister and the state executive as both sides prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle.
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