2027: Wike threatens to break stadium for political rallies if Rivers govt denies him access

Wike

The crisis rocking Rivers state may take a violent dimension if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike carries out his threat of breaking the stadium, if the state government denied him access to hold any political rally. Wike on Friday warned that he and his supporters would forcefully access the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for their next rally if the Rivers State Government continues to deny them entry, declaring that “heaven will not fall” if the facility is broken. He issued the warning in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, an event organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of 2027 general elections.

Wike said his group had formally applied to the state government for the use of the stadium but was denied access, describing the action as unprecedented.

“We applied to the state government to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and they refused. Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it and nothing will happen,” Wike said.

The minister boasted that Rivers State was setting the pace in political mobilisation, insisting that the state would continue to lead others in demonstrating support for the President.

“I know after today, other states may inaugurate their own structures, but Rivers State will always lead the way. Support is not by mouth; we have shown commitment with action,” he added.

Wike declared that political activities ahead of future elections had officially commenced, noting that ward-level inaugurations would follow.

“I told you that by January we would start playing politics. This is January, and we have started. If you don’t give us the venue, we will break it,” he reiterated. Vanguard