Wike Asks Fubara’s Supporters to Back Tinubu in 2027, and Rivers People Are Asking, “Which Side Is Wike Sitting On Today?”

Good news: the peace deal is working. Bad news: nobody agrees on what it is a deal for.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is now asking supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to line up behind President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election. Yes, the same supporters. The same ones who, not too long ago, were in a political situation so tense that even the roundabouts in Rivers were picking sides.

Let us appreciate the plot. In Nigerian politics, the enemy of yesterday is the campaign coordinator of tomorrow. It is a very efficient system. You don’t need to waste time building new friendships. You simply recycle the old quarrel, add a handshake, and call it “reconciliation.”

Take Chinedu, a man I invented but whom you definitely know. Chinedu spent a good part of the last two years defending his political side in WhatsApp groups. He lost friends. He lost sleep. He lost a cousin who still has not forgiven him for a voice note. Now he is being told to support the same direction as the people he argued against. Chinedu is not angry. He is simply checking whether the cousin is still blocking him.

Meanwhile, the average Rivers voter has been watching this show like a Nollywood series with too many seasons. Every time you think the story has ended, a new episode begins with “previously on Rivers politics.” The characters have changed alliances so many times that the audience now needs a chart, a pen, and a strong cup of tea.

Supporters of the move will say this is politics, and they are right. Politics has no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. The trouble is that the interests are permanent, but the people who fought on their behalf are just regular folks with phone data and strong opinions.

And let us not forget the election itself, which is still some time away. But in Nigeria, the campaign never really ends. It only changes shape. Today it is a “consultation.” Tomorrow it is a “show of support.” The day after, it is a rice distribution, and you suddenly remember how much you love your country.

The ordinary person’s role in all this is simple. You are expected to switch loyalties on short notice, with no refund on the arguments you previously made. Please remember to update your old tweets. Some of them are about to become evidence.

Anyway, we wish everyone well in this new season of friendship. May the alliances hold, may the handshakes be firm, and may no one check the old voice notes.