Port Harcourt, December 29, 2025 – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Ikwerre ethnic nationality remains a formidable and indispensable force in Nigerian politics, warning political actors against attempting to marginalize or ignore them.
The former Rivers State governor made these assertions on Sunday, December 28, during a special Christmas visit to his supporters in Emohua Local Government Area. The event took place at the palace of His Royal Highness, Ohna Sergent Awuse, the Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom and Chairman of the South-South Traditional Rulers Forum. A large crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered in Rumuche community to welcome Wike, creating a festive atmosphere filled with chants and solidarity displays.
Addressing the gathering, Wike emphasized the transformation of the Ikwerre people from a once-underestimated group to a pivotal player on the national stage. "Ikwerre ethnic nationality has come to stay, whether anybody likes it or not, we have come to stay," he stated firmly. "Before, they said Ikwerre people are nothing, now we are something. Now we talk to Nigeria, Nigeria will understand."
He issued a stern caution to those who might seek to undermine the group's influence: "I’ve told everybody, you cannot ignore us. If you try that, at your own peril." Wike further warned that anyone who has benefited from the support of the Ikwerre people but plans to repay them with betrayal or harm should prepare for repercussions. "Anybody that the Ikwerre people have done good for and wants to pay us with bad, I wish him good luck," he added, underscoring the consequences of ingratitude in politics.
A significant portion of Wike's remarks focused on the Ikwerre people's decisive role in President Bola Tinubu's victory in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election. He recounted how the four Ikwerre-dominated local government areas – Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, and Port Harcourt City – delivered crucial votes when support for Tinubu was uncertain and risky. "In 2023, when it was difficult and people did not know that Mr. President would emerge, those of us from Ikwerre understood that politics is about risk," Wike said. "If you look at the votes that helped him win in Rivers State, they came particularly from Ikwerre."
This narrative served to highlight the loyalty and strategic foresight of the Ikwerre community, contrasting it with what Wike described as "emergency supporters" who only aligned with the President after his victory became evident. He stressed that genuine political commitment is demonstrated in challenging times, not when success is assured.
Wike encouraged his kinsmen to seize the current political opportunities and maintain unity to sustain their momentum. "So, don’t lose this opportunity. I know what is good for our people, and nobody can stop me from doing good for our people," he affirmed, reaffirming his personal dedication to advancing Ikwerre interests.
The visit to Emohua was part of a broader Christmas outreach, with Wike proceeding afterward to Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where he delivered similar messages to stakeholders. In both locations, he reiterated support for President Tinubu completing a full eight-year tenure, emphasizing equity in power rotation for the South regardless of party affiliations.
Local leaders and supporters echoed Wike's sentiments. Emohua Local Government Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, who hosted the minister alongside Eze Awuse, pledged unwavering alignment with Wike's leadership. The traditional ruler himself praised Wike as a "dependable ally," stating that "Emohua owes you everything." Former Ikwerre Local Government Council Chairman, Samuel Nwanosike, also assured continued backing, dismissing any notions of shifting loyalties.
Wike's statements come amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State, where tensions between his faction and that of Governor Siminalayi Fubara persist. By spotlighting Ikwerre contributions to national politics, particularly in securing Tinubu's win, Wike appears to be consolidating his base and signaling readiness for future electoral contests, including the 2027 cycle.
The Ikwerre ethnic group, one of the largest in Rivers State, has produced prominent figures in Nigerian governance, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Wike himself. Their strategic location in the oil-rich Niger Delta and numerical strength in key urban areas like Port Harcourt have long made them influential in state and national elections.
Observers note that Wike's emphatic defense of Ikwerre relevance serves multiple purposes: rallying ethnic solidarity, reminding allies of past sacrifices, and cautioning potential adversaries. In a political landscape often shaped by alliances and risks, his message resonates as a call for recognition and reciprocity.
As Nigeria approaches another electoral season, Wike's pronouncements underscore the enduring role of ethnic and regional dynamics in the country's power equations. The Ikwerre people's political journey, as articulated by one of their most prominent sons, reflects a narrative of resilience and assertion in the face of historical marginalization.
The festive yet politically charged visits highlight Wike's continued grip on grassroots support in his home base, even as he discharges national duties in Abuja. With crowds turning out in large numbers and leaders pledging loyalty, the events reinforce his status as a key player whose influence extends beyond Rivers State.
