Rivers: Wike, Fubara renew feud over governor’s re-election

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the lingering political crisis in Rivers State has taken a sharper turn, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, once again locked in a fierce battle, this time over the governor’s second-term ambition.

Fubara, who succeeded Wike in 2023, has endured a turbulent first term, marked by intense political rivalry, institutional paralysis and an open struggle for control of the state’s political structures, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state and his suspension.

Shortly after reclaiming his mandate following the suspension of emergency rule in the state last September, the House of Assembly faction loyal to Wike directed the governor to present the 2025 budget and submit a list of commissioners. Months later, Fubara is yet to comply, further deepening the rift between the executive and the legislature.

The lawmakers had also accused the governor of neglecting public education infrastructure, questioning why funds estimated at N600 billion left behind by the former administrator, Ibok Ete-Ibas, had not been deployed to rehabilitate dilapidated schools across the state. Days after the criticism, the lawmakers defected en masse from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that immediately set them on a collision course with the governor.

In what many observers described as a bold political counter-move, Governor Fubara himself defected from the PDP to the APC in early December, asserting control of the party structure in the state. Although political actors in Rivers widely believe President Bola Tinubu is backing Fubara, especially following the governor’s private meeting with the president on the eve of his defection, Tinubu has so far avoided making any public pronouncement on the Rivers crisis.

Struggle over second-term ticket

The contest over Fubara’s second-term ambition has now become the central fault line in the Rivers political crisis. Wike has repeatedly claimed that an agreement existed under which Fubara would serve only one term.

At a political rally in Emuoha Local Government Area last weekend, the FCT minister warned that supporting President Tinubu would not automatically guarantee Fubara a second term. The remark triggered sharp reactions from political stakeholders, who accused Wike of attempting to dictate the state’s political future.

Daily Trust gathered that the governor has intensified efforts to build a formidable grassroots structure, relying on loyalists such as his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie; former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo; the sacked local government chairmen; and other grassroots mobilisers. Some former governors are also reportedly backing Fubara’s re-election bid.

On the other side, Wike is believed to be positioning the current Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, as a potential successor in 2027. However, many Rivers residents argue that such an ambition may face resistance, noting that the Ikwerre ethnic group has produced several governors in succession, including Rotimi Amaechi and Wike himself.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving service organised by the chairman of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ochiba, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Wike stressed the importance of honouring political agreements and warned against what he described as “opportunistic politics.” Although he did not disclose the details of the agreement he referenced, he declared that political activities in Rivers would formally begin in January 2026.

He also criticised recent defectors to the APC who now openly profess loyalty to President Tinubu, accusing them of political hypocrisy.

Wike further defended his legacy, dismissing claims that projects commissioned by his successor were unrelated to his administration, insisting they were initiated or completed under his watch to ensure continuity.

A source familiar with both camps told Daily Trust that the fresh crisis is largely driven by disagreements over the N600 billion left by the former administrator and Fubara’s determination to seek re-election.

According to the source, during the peace talks that preceded the lifting of emergency rule last September, both sides allegedly agreed on how the funds would be allocated, including compensation for the 27 lawmakers through project awards.

The governor was also reportedly cautioned against pursuing a second term. However, shortly after resuming office, his supporters began mobilising openly for 2027.

The source added that Fubara invested much of the inherited funds in projects initiated before the emergency rule to ensure timely completion, a move that has fuelled the current wave of project commissioning. Wike’s camp, however, is said to be displeased that most contracts are allegedly awarded to the governor’s loyalists as part of his grassroots mobilisation strategy.

Supporters of Governor Fubara have vowed that he will complete two terms in office, just like his predecessors. They argue that his performance has endeared him to the electorate and that the 2027 election will reflect that sentiment.

A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, speaking while hosting supporters from the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, said the people had fully aligned with Fubara following his defection to the APC. He pledged their support for the governor’s re-election and President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Fubara is not APC leader in Rivers — Wike

Wike has also dismissed claims that Fubara automatically became the APC leader in Rivers following his defection.

“I’m not just a member of the APC. I’m the No. 1 in Rivers State. I’ve collected my registration card, and it reads ‘001,” Fubara had said immediately after his registration as a member of the APC.

But speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, the FCT minister argued that party leadership is determined at the ward level, not by executive office.

“There is nothing like 001 in a party,” Wike said. “Leadership is not conferred simply because you are governor.”

He accused the governor of failing to honour reconciliation commitments reached with lawmakers and party elders, saying the breakdown of trust was at the heart of the ongoing crisis.

“These are basic political courtesies. You don’t need to be told to call your speaker or wish people well,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor has adopted a more diplomatic approach in confronting the FCT minister, deploying political songs to convey his message that anyone seeking to undermine him in Rivers State would ultimately fail.

At one of his political gatherings, Fubara sang, “If you are following Fubara, don’t walk zigzag. Fubara is telling you something. If you are following Asiwaju (President Tinubu), don’t walk zigzag. If you are supporting Tinubu, don’t walk zigzag. We are supporting Tinubu, and we don’t walk zigzag.”

The rendition was widely interpreted as a veiled jab at Wike’s continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite his open support for the president’s re-election.

Only Tinubu can broker lasting peace — Prof Nweke

A professor of political science and governance, Kenneth Nweke, said despite earlier efforts, only President Tinubu can permanently resolve the Rivers crisis. He warned that the feud has significantly stalled development and undermined democratic governance in the state.

According to him, the rivalry cannot continue indefinitely within the same political structure, especially as both camps are expected to work for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“The major issue here is the governorship ambition. Agreements cannot override the will of the people,” Nweke said, adding that political actors must allow the electorate to decide freely.

He cautioned that the current style of politics in Rivers is dangerous, noting that while politicians may explore multiple platforms, ultimate power rests with the voters.

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