Rivers Gov Fubara Joins APC: Tinubu's 2027 Power Play

 

Photo: Saharareporters

In a significant political maneuver that could reshape the 2027 elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly brought Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, coming after months of considerable political pressure and alleged intimidation, is seen as a strategic effort by the APC-led federal government to consolidate its power and neutralize opposition ahead of the next general elections.

Sources indicate that the federal government employed various state apparatuses, including the judiciary, security agencies, and the National Assembly, to exert "unprecedented and deeply troubling" pressure on Governor Fubara. The aim, it seems, was to undermine his authority and politically isolate him until he had no choice but to join the ruling party.

A central figure in this political drama is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who was once Fubara's political mentor and is now his adversary.1 With federal backing, Wike reportedly led a relentless campaign against Fubara, utilizing legislative threats, judicial actions, and even impeachment threats, all with the apparent blessing of the Presidency.

One source revealed that the President was determined to control Rivers State, driven by concerns about the 2027 elections.2 Internal assessments reportedly showed growing public discontent over economic hardship, insecurity, and mismanagement, leading to a strategy of breaking the opposition and enforcing loyalty on a state-by-state basis.3 This explains why the Presidency allegedly disregarded widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians and civil society groups regarding the sustained pressure on Governor Fubara.

A crucial turning point is believed to have been the "2025 London Peace Accord," a secret negotiation between Fubara and Tinubu. During this meeting, Governor Fubara reportedly agreed to join the APC in exchange for his political survival. The Africa Report confirmed a meeting between Tinubu and Fubara in London in April, although the Presidency has not officially acknowledged it.4 This meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter since President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy.5

Under the terms of this alleged agreement, Governor Fubara would be reinstated, but with strict conditions, including shared or closely monitored control of Rivers State's resources by APC power brokers. Interestingly, Wike, who previously publicly sought Fubara's removal, has now adopted a different tone, referring to the Governor as "his son" and denying any conflict with him.6 In a BBC Pidgin interview, Wike stated, "Fubara is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for... Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara." He also mentioned telling Fubara he was ready for peace if Fubara genuinely wanted it.

This sudden political shift has left many Nigerians feeling disillusioned. One source lamented that "Fubara has been beaten into submission, and Rivers State has been turned into a pawn in the power game of Abuja." The source also expressed concern that "No governor has ever suffered such humiliation as Governor Fubara suffered in the history of Nigerian politics," describing how he was "humiliated, tormented, and politically crushed" to force him into the ruling party.

How Tinubu Declared Emergency Rule in Rivers State

On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.7 This was based on claims of a breakdown of law and order and the failure of constitutional mechanisms to resolve the escalating political crisis between Fubara and Wike.

The conflict, which began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, involved repeated impeachment attempts by a faction of the state House of Assembly, violent protests, property destruction, and a governance vacuum. Citing the state government's inability to maintain order, President Tinubu secured controversial National Assembly approval for the emergency declaration, asserting that the crisis in Rivers had become a national security concern.

Following the proclamation, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were suspended, and the state's executive and legislative functions were dissolved. A sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, reportedly loyal to the Presidency, was appointed to oversee the state.8

This move drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal scholars, who argued it was politically motivated and violated democratic norms. Critics accused the Tinubu administration of using federal power to suppress dissent and consolidate control over opposition strongholds before the 2027 elections. Despite public outcry, the state of emergency remained, with federal security forces taking control of key government institutions in Port Harcourt, raising fears of creeping authoritarianism under the guise of constitutional emergency powers.

In a significant political maneuver that could reshape the 2027 elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly brought Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, coming after months of considerable political pressure and alleged intimidation, is seen as a strategic effort by the APC-led federal government to consolidate its power and neutralize opposition ahead of the next general elections.

Sources indicate that the federal government employed various state apparatuses, including the judiciary, security agencies, and the National Assembly, to exert "unprecedented and deeply troubling" pressure on Governor Fubara. The aim, it seems, was to undermine his authority and politically isolate him until he had no choice but to join the ruling party.

A central figure in this political drama is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who was once Fubara's political mentor and is now his adversary.1 With federal backing, Wike reportedly led a relentless campaign against Fubara, utilizing legislative threats, judicial actions, and even impeachment threats, all with the apparent blessing of the Presidency.

One source revealed that the President was determined to control Rivers State, driven by concerns about the 2027 elections.2 Internal assessments reportedly showed growing public discontent over economic hardship, insecurity, and mismanagement, leading to a strategy of breaking the opposition and enforcing loyalty on a state-by-state basis.3 This explains why the Presidency allegedly disregarded widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians and civil society groups regarding the sustained pressure on Governor Fubara.

A crucial turning point is believed to have been the "2025 London Peace Accord," a secret negotiation between Fubara and Tinubu. During this meeting, Governor Fubara reportedly agreed to join the APC in exchange for his political survival. The Africa Report confirmed a meeting between Tinubu and Fubara in London in April, although the Presidency has not officially acknowledged it.4 This meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter since President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy.5

Under the terms of this alleged agreement, Governor Fubara would be reinstated, but with strict conditions, including shared or closely monitored control of Rivers State's resources by APC power brokers. Interestingly, Wike, who previously publicly sought Fubara's removal, has now adopted a different tone, referring to the Governor as "his son" and denying any conflict with him.6 In a BBC Pidgin interview, Wike stated, "Fubara is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for... Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara." He also mentioned telling Fubara he was ready for peace if Fubara genuinely wanted it.

This sudden political shift has left many Nigerians feeling disillusioned. One source lamented that "Fubara has been beaten into submission, and Rivers State has been turned into a pawn in the power game of Abuja." The source also expressed concern that "No governor has ever suffered such humiliation as Governor Fubara suffered in the history of Nigerian politics," describing how he was "humiliated, tormented, and politically crushed" to force him into the ruling party.

How Tinubu Declared Emergency Rule in Rivers State

On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.7 This was based on claims of a breakdown of law and order and the failure of constitutional mechanisms to resolve the escalating political crisis between Fubara and Wike.

The conflict, which began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, involved repeated impeachment attempts by a faction of the state House of Assembly, violent protests, property destruction, and a governance vacuum. Citing the state government's inability to maintain order, President Tinubu secured controversial National Assembly approval for the emergency declaration, asserting that the crisis in Rivers had become a national security concern.

Following the proclamation, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were suspended, and the state's executive and legislative functions were dissolved. A sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, reportedly loyal to the Presidency, was appointed to oversee the state.8

This move drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal scholars, who argued it was politically motivated and violated democratic norms. Critics accused the Tinubu administration of using federal power to suppress dissent and consolidate control over opposition strongholds before the 2027 elections. Despite public outcry, the state of emergency remained, with federal security forces taking control of key government institutions in Port Harcourt, raising fears of creeping authoritarianism under the guise of constitutional emergency powers.