Political Tensions Flare in Rivers Over Stadium Access for Pro-Tinubu Rally

A dispute over the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt has intensified the political rivalry between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike, speaking at an event in Port Harcourt on Friday, warned that his supporters would forcibly use the stadium if the state government again denies a request to host a “Renewed Hope Family” rally for President Bola Tinubu’s supporters. He accused the state of refusing an earlier application to use the venue.

“If you don’t approve it, we will break it by force… Nobody can deny us the facilities of the state. If you don’t agree to give us access, we will do the needful and take it by force,” Wike stated.

The event, held at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, inaugurated coordinators for the Renewed Hope Agenda across Rivers State. Former Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who chairs the group in the state, also alleged the state government blocked their use of the stadium.

However, the Rivers State Government swiftly denied the claims, stating the stadium is under reconstruction and unsafe for public events. Permanent Secretary for Information, Honour Sirawoo, described the allegations as “false and misleading,” adding that Governor Fubara remains committed to Tinubu’s re-election.

Commissioner for Sports and Justice, Christopher Green, supported this, noting no formal request was received and that even the polytechnic used for the rally is state-owned.

During the rally, Wike also directed support for specific candidates in upcoming February 2026 state constituency elections, emphasizing unity within the coalition backing President Tinubu. Several party leaders, including the state APC and PDP chairmen, pledged support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.