President Tinubu Intervenes in Rivers State Political Feud
President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh directive aimed at resolving the ongoing political conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This intervention comes after months of escalating tensions that have threatened governance stability in the oil-rich state, with impeachment plots and legislative paralysis creating significant challenges.
Directive to Halt Impeachment Actions
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, President Tinubu warned Wike to immediately desist from pursuing impeachment plots against Governor Fubara. The president reportedly issued this directive before departing for an official trip to Türkiye on January 26, 2026, emphasizing that continued hostilities would undermine governance and stability in Rivers State.
A source quoted Tinubu as stating: "Fubara must be allowed to govern, but elders and political leaders like Wike deserve respect. Political seniority cannot be ignored because of personal disagreements."
Terms of the Presidential Intervention
Tinubu's latest intervention reportedly includes specific conditions designed to restore political order:
- Governor Fubara must formally recognize Wike as the "political leader" in Rivers State with final authority on party matters
- Wike and his political camp must halt all impeachment-related actions against the sitting governor
- The directive covers upcoming state House of Assembly by-elections for Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies
- Wike's candidates for these by-elections are to be formally endorsed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)
"This is about ensuring stability and governance in Rivers state. The president made it clear that all internal party disputes must defer to Wike's recognized authority," one source explained.
Background of the Political Conflict
The feud between Fubara and Wike has persisted since May 2023, shortly after Fubara assumed office as governor. Wike, who personally backed Fubara as his successor, has reportedly sought to maintain influence over state affairs from Abuja, while Fubara has attempted to assert his independence as governor.
This power struggle has intensified with nearly all Rivers State lawmakers reportedly aligning with Wike, creating legislative challenges for the governor. Previous peace efforts brokered by President Tinubu, including a six-month emergency rule declared in March 2025, failed to resolve the fundamental rift between the two political figures.
Focus on Governance and Stability
While the president's intervention aims to enforce a political truce, insiders reveal that discussions about Fubara's potential 2027 re-election bid were deliberately postponed. Tinubu reportedly stated that such matters remain premature until stability is fully restored in Rivers State.
A source close to the negotiations said: "The focus for now is peace and governance. Any talk about the 2027 governorship is off the table until stability is restored."
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections for February 21, 2026, adding urgency to the need for political resolution. With Tinubu's firm stance and clear instructions, stakeholders in Rivers State are now expected to observe the truce and allow Governor Fubara to govern while respecting Wike's political seniority.
APC's Role in the Resolution Process
Previously, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, indicated that the party had begun negotiations with Rivers State lawmakers regarding their impeachment bid against Governor Fubara. This political maneuvering represents part of the broader effort to resolve the crisis that has gripped Nigeria's oil-producing state for months.
