A prominent Nigerian journalist has issued a stark warning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could emerge as the biggest loser from the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. The analysis comes as the power struggle between the state's current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, intensifies with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
Tinubu's Political Dilemma in Rivers
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Director of News at TVC Communications, highlighted the president's precarious position in a recent interview. He stated that while President Tinubu does not want to lose the support of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a key ally, Governor Fubara also commands tremendous support from ordinary citizens in the state.
Kolade-Otitoju explained the president's strategic concern, noting that Wike possesses significant political capacity and fierce loyalty when aligned. With elections slightly over a year away, losing such an ally is a risk. However, the journalist pointed out that if Fubara backs the president as promised, it could bring other influential Rivers figures like Uche Secondus, Celestine Omehia, and Peter Odili into Tinubu's camp, as they are currently aligned with the governor.
Impeachment Threat Deepens Crisis
The political temperature in Port Harcourt has risen sharply with the initiation of an impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by state lawmakers. Observers, including Kolade-Otitoju, warn that this move could further destabilise Rivers State, erode public trust, and deepen existing political divisions.
The state is still grappling with the aftermath of past governance disruptions, including a period of emergency rule. The ongoing conflict, characterized by public name-calling and exchanges, is seen as needlessly heating up the polity at a critical time.
Call for Resolution Ahead of 2027
The journalist urged all parties involved—the Rivers State House of Assembly, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara—to cease actions that inflame tensions. He emphasized that President Tinubu views the conflict as poorly timed and politically damaging, which is why the president has intervened.
For Tinubu, who aims to win Rivers State "hands down" in the 2027 elections, a conclusive resolution is vital. His plan for a comprehensive victory in the oil-rich state is believed to be heavily dependent on securing the support of Governor Fubara and, by extension, the governor's political network.
The warning underscores the high-stakes nature of the Rivers crisis, where a protracted battle between two powerful figures threatens to undermine national political calculations and stability in one of Nigeria's most economically significant states.
