Wike’s ally Boma Iyaye, denies guber interest

Controversy over would-be governorship aspirants’ hesitation to declare deepened over the weekend in Rivers State with Boma Iyaye, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, denying any intention to succeed Siminalayi Fubara.

“For weeks, social media has been awash with speculation over Iyaye’s alleged interest in replacing Fubara as Rivers State governor.

The speculation was based on claims that Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and leader of the Rainbow Coalition in the state, had declared open support for Iyaye’s possible governorship bid.

Iyaye, who hails from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, is a known Wike ally. Like Fubara, from Opobo/Nkoro LGA, he satisfies Rivers State’s riverine/upland dichotomy, which currently cedes power to the riverine area.

The NDDC executive director’s announcement on Saturday, March 28, 2026, put an end to speculation over any governorship bid.

Iyaye, in a press statement, said his “attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media suggesting that I have declared an ambition for the office of the governor of Rivers State and have been endorsed as a preferred candidate by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.

“I wish to respectfully clarify that these reports are inaccurate and do not reflect the true position,” he said.

Iyaye said his “full attention and commitment remain focused on my responsibilities as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“I remain fully engaged in the discharge of my duties, working collaboratively with the leadership and stakeholders of the commission to advance its mandate of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.”

He stressed that he “had not made any formal declaration regarding a governorship ambition, nor have I received any endorsement from the Honourable Minister or any other individual as being suggested.

“I hold the Honourable Minister in high regard and deeply appreciate his leadership and contributions to public service.

“I kindly urge the public and media practitioners to rely on verified information and to disregard any contrary reports,” he said.

FCT minister denies anointing candidates

Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied suggestions that he has endorsed certain individuals for political positions in a run-up to the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.

Wike, while addressing the Rivers State contingent to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention held in Abuja on Friday, warned politicians against using his name to advance their governorship ambitions.

He said such individuals were acting on their own and should not drag him into their political calculations.

This comes as uncertainty continues to surround Fubara’s political future, particularly his likely bid for a second term as Rivers governor.

Speculation is rife over the possibility of his clinching the APC guber ticket following his fallout with Wike, his political godfather.