Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has raised concerns over alleged plans by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intimidate governors who may not support him in the 2027 elections.
Speaking in an interview with DW Africa, Amaechi claimed that there is growing speculation about the president using a state of emergency as a tool to remove non-compliant governors.
“The president wants a power grab. He wants to frighten governors who may likely not support him in 2027. And so the rumor is everywhere, ‘If you are not careful, the president will remove you. If you are not careful, the president will remove you.’ So this is all about sharing money and 2027 politics,” Amaechi said.
His statement comes amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State where Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike are locked in a fierce power struggle.
The crisis has led to divisions in the state legislature and concerns over governance stability.
Amaechi’s remarks suggest that the Rivers crisis is not an isolated case but part of a larger political strategy aimed at ensuring Tinubu’s dominance ahead of the next presidential election.
The mention of a possible state of emergency has heightened fears among political observers about the potential use of federal powers to control state governments.
As tensions rise, calls for constitutional adherence and respect for democratic processes are growing louder.
Analysts warn that any move to impose a state of emergency for political reasons could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
