By James
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped decisively into the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, officially recognising former Governor Nyesom Wike as the state’s dominant political figure while putting a temporary hold on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s re-election ambitions.
The move reshapes the state’s power dynamics and aims to restore stability after months of political turmoil.
The Rivers crisis, which has paralysed governance and fueled fears of impeachment, legislative gridlock, and unrest, dates back to May 2023, shortly after Fubara assumed office. Once a protégé of Wike, Fubara began asserting independence, prompting a bitter fallout. Most lawmakers sided with Wike, leading to repeated impeachment threats that stalled government business.
This is not President Tinubu’s first intervention. A peace attempt in December 2023 collapsed, and the crisis escalated in March 2025, prompting emergency rule and the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara.
Under the latest arrangement, all impeachment plans against Fubara have been halted. But Tinubu set firm conditions: Wike must be acknowledged as Rivers State’s senior political figure, and both camps must prioritise governance over personal disputes. Drawing lessons from Lagos politics, the President reportedly said, “Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?” He stressed that political hierarchy and experience must be respected.
Fubara has been directed to formally recognise Wike as the “political leader” of Rivers State, with all party disputes channelled through him. The decision carries extra weight given that Wike remains a PDP member while serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under an APC-led federal government.
The peace deal also covers the upcoming Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections, scheduled for February 21, 2026, in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies. Tinubu directed that Wike’s loyalists be recognised by the APC for the polls, with two candidates explicitly approved by Wike.
Talks about Fubara’s 2027 governorship ambitions were postponed, with the President emphasizing that the immediate priority is political calm and effective governance in the state.
With Tinubu’s intervention, Rivers State moves from the brink of political chaos toward a new, carefully negotiated balance of power; one that elevates Wike while safeguarding Fubara’s position, at least for now.
