According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, has stated that the treatment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election could create political risks for President Bola Tinubu.
He made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
During the programme, he also addressed the involvement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the political developments in Rivers State as well as within the structures of the All Progressives Congress.
Otubanjo described the handling of the political situation surrounding Fubara as one of the most unexpected developments in Nigeria’s recent political history.
He noted that the unfolding events around the Rivers State governorship and party arrangements have drawn significant attention due to their unusual nature within the country’s political environment.
He further stated that Wike, who is not officially a member of the APC, appears to be exerting considerable influence over political activities within the ruling party in Rivers State.
According to him, this level of involvement raises concerns about the internal political direction of the party in the state and how decisions are being shaped.
Otubanjo maintained that the ongoing political arrangement in Rivers State carries implications that could affect President Tinubu’s political standing.
He added that the conduct and involvement of Wike suggest that the political process is being driven by peronal interests rather than alignment with the broader objectives of the president and the ruling party at the national level.
He also reiterated that the situation in Rivers State reflects a complex political dynamic involving multiple actors and competing interests, which has continued to shape the structure of party politics in the state.
He emphasized that the developments around the APC primary and the broader political alignment in Rivers State remain a notable point in current political discourse.
He said, “The reality is that what they have done is very dangerous for Tinubu. What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda inspite of PBAT and all of that combination.”….Read_More…