Yakubu Gowon Stadium: 10 things to know as Wike, Fubara clash

The Rivers State Government has firmly rejected allegations that it obstructed the Renewed Hope Family from using the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt for a political rally, insisting that the facility is currently under reconstruction and unsafe for public events.

The denial follows comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who claimed that organisers of the rally were denied access to the stadium despite submitting a formal request to the state government.

How the Controversy Started

The disagreement came to public attention on Friday during the inauguration of Renewed Hope coordinators for the three senatorial districts and local government areas in Rivers State. The event was held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.

The Renewed Hope Family is a political support group mobilising grassroots backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event, Wike alleged that organisers had applied to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium but were refused approval by the state government. He went further to state that if access continued to be denied, the group would forcibly gain entry into the facility for future events.

State Government Pushes Back

Responding to the claims, Christopher Green, Rivers State Coordinating Commissioner for Sports and the Attorney-General, described Wike’s allegations as inaccurate and misleading.

According to Green, neither his office nor any relevant government department received an official application requesting the use of the stadium.

“I have not received any application from anyone to use this facility,” he said while inspecting the stadium alongside Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications. “It is common knowledge in Rivers State that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently under reconstruction.”

Why the Stadium Is Off-Limits

Green explained that the stadium is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade being handled by Monimichelle, a construction firm contracted to bring the facility up to FIFA and World Athletics standards.

Describing the site as an active construction zone, the commissioner warned that hosting any event there would pose serious safety risks.

“This is a work site. The main bowl alone has over 40,000 pipes installed underneath. It is unsafe to step on it, let alone organise a public gathering,” he stated.

He challenged anyone claiming that a formal application was submitted and rejected to provide documentary evidence.

“If such an application exists, let it be produced. As far as I am concerned, no such letter was received.”

Alternative Venues Still Available

Green also clarified that the Rivers State Government has not placed restrictions on public access to government-owned facilities without valid reasons. He pointed out that alternative venues, including the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, remain available for public use.

He added that if the government intended to block the Renewed Hope Family from using public facilities, it would not have allowed the rally to hold at the polytechnic in the first place.

“We are not in the habit of stopping people from using government facilities,” Green said.

Political Undercurrents

The dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Rivers State. Earlier this month, Wike claimed that all political parties in the state had aligned behind President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The FCT minister has also been openly critical of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of violating a political agreement reached before President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state.

Although Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December, he is also actively campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election—adding further complexity to the state’s political dynamics.

10 Things to Know About the Yakubu Gowon Stadium

1. It is Rivers State’s oldest major sports facility, located in the heart of Port Harcourt.

2. The stadium is currently under full reconstruction, not minor renovation.

3. Monimichelle is the contractor handling the upgrade works.

4. The project aims to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards, positioning it for international competitions.

5. The main bowl contains over 40,000 underground pipes, making it unsafe for public access during construction.

6. The facility is officially classified as a work zone, not an event venue at this time.

7. No public events are permitted until reconstruction is completed and certified safe.

8. Alternative government-owned venues exist, including Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

9. The stadium has historically hosted major sporting and political events in Rivers State.

10. Reopening will significantly boost sports tourism and youth development in the state once completed.