Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to forcibly gain access to a public stadium in Rivers State.
He accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of denying his political group access to state-owned facilities.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt while addressing a mammoth crowd at a rally organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) in Rivers State.
Stadium Access Triggers Fresh Political Tension
During the rally, Wike said organisers formally applied to the Rivers State government to use the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
However, the state government rejected the request.
According to Wike, the denial forced organisers to secure an alternative venue at short notice.
“We applied to the state government for the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, but the state government refused us,” he said.
Warning of Force Over Future Denials
Wike warned that such a refusal would not happen again.
“The next time we do something like this and they refuse us, we will break it by force,” he added.
His remarks drew loud cheers from supporters at the rally.
“Enough Is Enough,” Wike Insists
As supporters chanted songs praising him, Wike escalated his comments.
He insisted that no political group should be denied access to public facilities in Rivers State.
Addressing party organisers, Wike urged them to reapply for future events without fear.
“Write again to the state government. Choose anywhere we want to inaugurate, down to the ward level,” he said.
He added that political exclusion would no longer be tolerated.
“I am saying it for everyone to hear: enough is enough.
“We are all from Rivers State. Nobody can deny us the facilities of the state. If you don’t agree to give us, we will take it by force. Heaven will not fall.”
Rally Relocated After Stadium Denial
Following the rejection, organisers relocated the rally to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.
As a result, large crowds caused congestion at the venue.
Coordinator Apologises to Supporters
The Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, later apologised to supporters over the congestion.
He blamed the situation on the state government’s refusal to approve the initial request for stadium use.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign
President Bola Tinubu established the Renewed Hope Ambassadors on November 25, 2025.
The group serves as a grassroots mobilisation platform to promote Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Meanwhile, Wike currently serves as the leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State.
Wike–Fubara Rift Deepens in Rivers State
Wike and Governor Fubara, his former political ally and godson, remain locked in a prolonged political struggle for control of Rivers State.
Over time, the dispute has split the state’s political landscape, affecting the state assembly, party structures, and governance.
Both camps continue to trade accusations while asserting dominance.
Saturday’s remarks further highlight the deepening political crisis in the oil-rich state, as tensions between the two power blocs continue to shape Rivers politics.
