Evans Bipi, the Factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2013, known for his past confrontations with former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has now turned his sights on the current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Accusing Wike of rigging the February 25, 2023 presidential election in favor of President Bola Tinubu, Bipi claims that Peter Obi of the Labour Party actually won in the oil-rich state.
In a recent statement addressing supporters, Bipi asserted that according to the PDP constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in the state, and anyone challenging that should seek alternative structures.
He called for increased support for Governor Fubara, assuring the people of Rivers State that Fubara would fulfill his promises.
In a public speech, Bipi alleged that the Labour Party won the 2023 general elections in the state and criticized Wike for attempting to remain relevant.
He said, “Last week they (APC) went for a Thanksgiving party and were bragging that they wished tomorrow were 2027, with you, can they win 2027? They were bragging they wish tomorrow was 2027 as they won in 2023, Labour Party won, we know how we did it.”
Regarding the current political situation, Bipi commented, “If the glory of God has left a man, do you know what the man will try to do? The man will attend the burial, he will attend the naming ceremony, he will give thanksgiving, he will attend the birthday party because the glory has departed from the man. Now, the glory is upon the governor. There must not be two leaders at a time, it must always be one leader at a time.”
During the February polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC the winner of the presidential election in Rivers State, with APC winning 14 local government areas, the Labour Party securing five, and the PDP clinching four.
The relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor soured shortly after Fubara’s inauguration until President Tinubu intervened, easing the political tension in the state.