RismadarVoice Reporters, May 21, 2026
Anchor of Arise Television Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, has expressed concern over what he described as the increasing political dominance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State.
Oseni made the remarks during a programme on Thursday while reacting to recent political developments in the state, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary process.
The broadcaster described the situation in Rivers as troubling for democratic principles, arguing that the state’s political structure appears to be increasingly influenced by a single political figure.
According to him, recent events have sparked questions about the political dynamics that led to Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023 and the nature of alliances within the state’s political landscape.
Oseni also questioned Fubara’s political calculations, suggesting that the governor’s movement into the APC had not delivered the political stability or consolidation that may have been anticipated.
He stated that Wike appears to have maintained considerable influence across political platforms in the state, adding that such a development raises broader concerns about the balance of power within a democratic system.
The television host further argued that the ability of one individual to shape outcomes across multiple political structures could have long-term implications for democratic competition and institutional growth.
He noted that while political influence is common in many democracies, sustained concentration of power in the hands of a single actor could undermine healthy political competition.
Oseni also referenced ongoing developments involving key political figures in Rivers State, saying observers would continue to monitor how future alliances and rivalries evolve ahead of subsequent electoral processes.
He warned that the long-term sustainability of such political dominance remains uncertain and stressed the importance of preserving democratic values that encourage wider participation and competition.
According to him, the true test will be whether political institutions can maintain independence and prevent excessive concentration of influence within a single political structure.
