President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again intervened in the deepening political crisis rocking Rivers State, directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately halt all impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The latest intervention follows months of political tension that threatened governance, legislative stability, and peace in the oil-rich state, widely regarded as a strategic battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources familiar with the negotiations disclosed that Tinubu laid down fresh political terms aimed at restoring order between the feuding camps shortly before departing Nigeria for an official visit to Türkiye on January 26, 2026.
According to the sources, the president made it clear that continued confrontation between both leaders was unacceptable and posed a serious threat to stability in Rivers State.
Tinubu Affirms Wike’s Political Authority
As part of the renewed peace framework, Tinubu reportedly told Governor Fubara to formally acknowledge Wike as the “political leader” of Rivers State, insisting that political seniority and structure must be respected, regardless of personal differences.
The president was quoted as drawing parallels with Lagos State politics, stressing that sitting governors are not always the highest political authorities within party structures.
Tinubu reportedly warned that failure to respect established political hierarchies could further weaken governance and plunge the state into prolonged instability.
Impeachment Halted, But With Conditions
While directing Wike and his allies to suspend all impeachment-related actions against Fubara, Tinubu also demanded concessions from the Rivers governor.
Sources said Fubara was instructed to defer major party decisions to Wike and recognise his final authority on internal political matters within the state.
The president was said to be visibly displeased that earlier peace efforts brokered in December 2023 collapsed, eventually leading to the declaration of emergency rule and the temporary suspension of the governor in March 2025.
Assembly By-Elections Tilt Toward Wike’s Camp
The truce also covers the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Tinubu reportedly directed that candidates loyal to Wike should be recognised by the ruling party’s structure for the vacant Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies.
The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of Edison Ehie, who was later appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained empty since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Second-Term Talk Shut Down
Discussions surrounding Fubara’s second-term ambition were reportedly raised during deliberations but quickly dismissed by the president.
Tinubu was said to have described any conversation about the 2027 governorship race in Rivers State as premature, urging all parties to focus on governance and stability.
A Long-Running Political Feud
The rift between Fubara and Wike began shortly after the governor assumed office in May 2023, despite Wike’s role in securing his emergence.
While Wike’s allies accuse Fubara of political betrayal, the governor’s supporters argue that Rivers State cannot be controlled from Abuja by a former governor.
With most members of the state House of Assembly aligned with Wike, impeachment threats have repeatedly resurfaced whenever tensions escalate.
Tinubu’s latest intervention is seen as a decisive attempt to prevent further breakdown of governance in Rivers State and protect political interests ahead of 2027.
