The peace accord between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is reportedly under threat as the 2027 general elections approach.
According to Vanguard, both politicians have returned to political rivalry over the state’s governorship succession despite an earlier agreement reportedly supervised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which included a provision that Fubara should not seek re-election in 2027 and should join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The report stated that Fubara had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move seen as a strategy to avoid impeachment pressures from the State House of Assembly.
Tensions reportedly resurfaced after a group led by Hon. Awaji Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives and ally of the governor, purchased governorship forms for Fubara, raising concerns over a possible breach of the earlier agreement.
In reaction, allies of Wike were said to have also entered the race, with Dr. Dax George Kelly and Hon. Kingsley Chinda obtaining governorship forms on APC and PDP platforms respectively, while Architect Tonye Patrick Cole of the APC also declared his ambition, insisting he would not step down despite previous electoral defeats in 2019 and 2023.
Political observers noted that while Cole may have limited political structure in Rivers State, Kelly and Chinda could pose stronger challenges due to their backing within Wike’s political network.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara is reportedly strengthening his influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly. It was reported that he endorsed 32 aspirants who purchased nomination forms for assembly seats, most of them described as loyalists, including former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.
A supporter of the governor was quoted as saying: “Fubara bought 32 forms for his foot soldiers to contest all the seats in the Assembly”.
According to Vanguard, political observers believe that with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma heading the APC screening committee, Fubara’s re-election prospects would be smoother due to their friendship. They also noted that the APC Governors’ Forum has shown support for the governor, with some urging President Tinubu to caution Wike against further destabilising the party in Rivers State.
Wike, however, had earlier stated during a tour of the 23 local government areas in January that he would not repeat what he described as his 2023 mistake of backing a “disloyal” candidate, adding that he would personally decide who becomes governor of Rivers State in 2027, though he has not formally declared his preferred aspirant….Read_More…