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Video does not show Tinubu supporting Wike amid renewed political crisis in Rivers

Nurudeen Akewushola
Nurudeen Akewushola
Reading Time: 3 min.
Video does not show Tinubu supporting Wike amid renewed political crisis in Rivers.
Video does not show Tinubu supporting Wike amid renewed political crisis in Rivers.

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A video showing President Bola Tinubu praising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been recirculated online as though the comment was made amid a renewed political crisis in Rivers State. 

In the video, Tinubu, while addressing the crowd, described Wike as a transformational leader with vision and determination to succeed. 

An X user, @ArcSadam posted the video with a caption: 

“𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗼 Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS.” 

READ : Old video of Fubara saying Rivers assembly members do not exist resurfaces online 

The post has generated over 200 reposts and more than 1,000 likes as of January 22, 2026. 

The video was also recirculated on Facebook as can be seen here and here. 

CLAIM 

Video shows Tinubu praising Wike amid renewed political crisis in Rivers State.

Viral video of Tinubu delivering speech

 

THE FINDINGS 

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING. 

Rivers State has been enmeshed in a prolonged political crisis stemming from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

The conflict, which became public shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, reflects deep fractures within the state’s political elite and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At the heart of the crisis is a contest over political control, loyalty, and influence within the state government and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Tensions escalated in October 2023 when lawmakers perceived to be loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct. The move triggered widespread unrest, including the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex under unclear circumstances. 

The governor responded by suspending several officials and restructuring parts of the state government, while a faction of the Assembly declared seats vacant and aligned itself with opposing political interests. The crisis soon drew national attention, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene and broker a fragile peace agreement in December 2023, which included reinstating lawmakers and restoring political calm.

Despite the presidential intervention, the truce proved short-lived. Political hostilities have resurfaced this year with parallel legislative sittings, court battles, and continued accusations from both camps. 

The FactCheckHub conducted a reverse image search on the keyframes in the video circulating online and the result showed that it has been online since last year. An earlier version of the video was posted by NTA via YouTube on June 10, 2025. 

The video showed Tinubu’s address during the inauguration of the rehabilitated International Conference Centre, Abuja.

During the address, Tinubu urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, not to be distracted by busybodies and naysayers but to focus on his mandate to transform the nation’s capital.

READ ALSO : No! Photo does not show Rivers INEC Commissioner wearing Tinubu

The President said the refurbished international conference centre was part of his administration’s “determined efforts to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirits, that’s what we are”.

“And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that. Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight and determination to succeed,” Tinubu said.

The President said his administration was aware that modern infrastructure remained the backbone of economic prosperity.

The President also informed his political friends, appointees and government officials that there won’t be free usage of the conference centre for social or corporate events.

The video does not show Tinubu’s support for Wike amid recent political crisis in the state. 

VERDICT 

The claim that the video shows President Bola Tinubu expressing his support for Nyesom Wike is MISLEADING. The video was from Tinubu’s address during the inauguration of the rehabilitated ICC centre in 2025. 

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Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.

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