The Wike Fubara political feud in Rivers State intensified on Saturday as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara a second term in 2027 would spell political ruin for him and his supporters.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okrika Local Government Area, Wike said his political camp had reached a final decision. According to him, repeating past choices would amount to “political burial,” a mistake he vowed not to make again. He stressed that his position was firm and non-negotiable.
Wike Fubara tensions shape fresh alliances
Moreover, Wike disclosed that while his group remained aligned with President Bola Tinubu, it had completely ruled out backing Fubara. He urged his loyalists to understand the stakes involved and prepare for the political realities ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the same event, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress announced its withdrawal of support for Governor Fubara. The group pledged loyalty to Wike, citing his past developmental contributions to Ijaw communities across the state. Consequently, the move shifted local political dynamics.
Roots of the Wike Fubara fallout
The crisis dates back to 2023 when Wike, then governor, supported Fubara’s emergence as his successor. However, relations later deteriorated over disagreements surrounding control of the state’s political structure and decision-making processes.
Since then, Wike has repeatedly accused Fubara of weak leadership and poor stakeholder engagement. He also claimed the governor failed to honour political agreements allegedly brokered by President Tinubu. These accusations have featured prominently during Wike’s recent visits across several local government areas.
2027 elections heighten Rivers political uncertainty
The rivalry escalated in 2025, prompting a federal state of emergency in Rivers State and several Tinubu-led peace efforts. Nevertheless, tensions persisted, deepening divisions within the political class.
Fubara, who defected to the All Progressives Congress late last year, is widely believed to be positioning himself for re-election support. However, Wike remains a dominant force in Rivers politics despite retaining his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Wike Fubara feud continues to shape the state’s political future.
