The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Siminalayi Fubara gave up his second-term governorship ambition under a political settlement reportedly brokered by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the prolonged crisis in Rivers State.
Wike made the disclosure while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, claiming that the reconciliation arrangement designed to restore calm in the oil-rich state included a major political concession from Fubara.
According to him, the understanding required the Rivers governor to step away from the 2027 governorship contest in exchange for an end to impeachment threats and a return to political stability.
Speaking on the issue, Wike maintained that the agreement formed part of wider efforts to de-escalate months of tension and power struggles that have unsettled the political landscape in Rivers State.
The former Rivers governor further alleged that this explained why Fubara eventually withdrew from the APC governorship primary race despite initially obtaining the party’s nomination form. Wike claimed the governor briefly moved outside the agreed terms before later stepping back “for peace and unity.”
The latest revelation adds another dimension to the long-running political confrontation between the governor and his predecessor, a rivalry that has dominated Rivers politics since their relationship deteriorated after Fubara assumed office.
The development also followed the emergence of Wike-backed lawmaker Kingsley Chinda as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, a move many political observers believe further consolidates Wike’s influence over the state’s political machinery ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
The comments have already triggered widespread debate across Nigeria, with analysts viewing Fubara’s reported withdrawal as a significant concession in the fierce contest for political control in Rivers State.
Critics and supporters alike are expected to closely examine the implications of such an arrangement, particularly questions surrounding internal party dynamics, political autonomy and the balance of power within the state.
However, Wike’s claims remain politically sensitive and have not been independently verified. There has also been no immediate public response from Governor Fubara regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report.
The Rivers crisis has remained one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battles, with repeated interventions and mediation efforts aimed at preventing deeper divisions that could reshape the state’s political future.
