As the 2027 general elections approach, President Bola Tinubu faces a delicate political calculation over Rivers State, a key battleground with significant voting power. At the centre of the dilemma are two powerful figures, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, serves in Tinubu’s APC-led government, while Fubara has defected from the PDP to the APC in a move widely seen as a strategy to consolidate power and political survival. Although Fubara emerged as governor in 2023 with Wike’s backing, their alliance soon collapsed amid accusations of political control, misgovernance and sabotage.
The rift deepened during the 2025 emergency rule in Rivers State, a period many believe favoured Wike’s allies despite claims it prevented Fubara’s impeachment. While Fubara was reinstated after six months, his subsequent defection to the APC altered the political dynamics, triggering resistance from Wike’s camp, which continues to assert grassroots dominance in the state.
Amid renewed impeachment threats from the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Presidency has signalled support for Fubara. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala affirmed that the governor should be allowed to govern without interference, while clarifying that Wike remains outside the APC despite his role in government.
Political analysts argue that Tinubu may be better served aligning with the sitting governor, who controls state resources and party machinery. Others warn that Wike’s polarising style could undermine APC’s cohesion, though he insists his grassroots networks remain strong.
As tensions persist, observers say Tinubu’s challenge is whether to choose one ally decisively or carefully balance both interests to secure Rivers State ahead of 2027.
