President Bola Tinubu has initiated a fresh diplomatic intervention to reconcile the warring factions led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The President’s latest mediation has significantly recalibrated the power dynamics within the oil-rich state. Under the new terms, Mr Wike has been formally affirmed as the “political leader” of Rivers State, whilst the re-election prospects for Governor Fubara in 2027 remain notably unresolved.
This intervention follows a period of administrative paralysis and heightened social unrest. The crisis previously escalated to the declaration of emergency rule on 18th March 2025, which saw the Governor suspended from office for six months. Despite an earlier attempt by the Presidency to broker peace in December 2023, that agreement suffered a total collapse, leading to a legislative impasse and repeated impeachment threats.
During the high-level negotiations, President Tinubu issued a direct mandate to both camps:
Cessation of Hostilities: All impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara are to be halted immediately.
Recognition of Hierarchy: The Governor is required to formally acknowledge Mr Wike as the dominant political figure in the state, regardless of partisan affiliations.
Institutional Stability: The President warned that his administration would no longer tolerate instability that threatens governance and public service delivery.
Drawing a parallel to the political structure in Lagos State, the President reportedly questioned the assembly: “Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?” He emphasised that political experience and established hierarchy must be respected, notwithstanding personal disagreements.
The affirmation of Mr Wike’s leadership is particularly significant given his unique position as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) serving in an All Progressives Congress (APC) cabinet. Per the agreement, all internal party disputes within Rivers State are henceforth to be routed through him.
The peace accord also extends to the upcoming House of Assembly by-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for 21st February 2026. These polls will fill vacancies in the Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies.
The President has directed the APC party structure to recognise Mr Wike’s preferred candidates for these seats. This move further consolidates the Minister’s influence over the legislative arm of the state government.
Notably, the question of Governor Fubara’s second-term ambition was conspicuously sidelined. The President described discussions regarding the 2027 governorship race as “premature,” insisting that the current priority must be the restoration of political calm and effective governance for the people of Rivers State.
The friction between the two leaders began shortly after the Governor’s inauguration in May 2023. Although Mr Wike was instrumental in Governor Fubara’s emergence, relations soured as the Governor sought to assert executive independence. This led to a fractured House of Assembly, with a majority of lawmakers aligning with the former governor, keeping the threat of impeachment a constant fixture of the state’s political landscape.
For now, the Presidency hopes this renewed roadmap will provide the necessary stability to avert further constitutional crises in one of Nigeria’s most vital economic hubs.
