Rivers political tension deepens as 2027 succession battle resurfaces

The peace accord reached between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be heading for collapse as the 2027 general elections approach.

 

Both political actors appear to have returned to familiar political rivalries over who succeeds Fubara, despite the earlier agreement reportedly brokered with the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

One of the key terms of the peace deal was said to include Fubara not seeking re-election in 2027 and his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor had last December defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move widely interpreted as a strategy to ease political pressure and impeachment threats from the state House of Assembly.

 

However, tension resurfaced last week when allies of the governor, led by House of Representatives member Awaji Inombek Abiante, reportedly obtained governorship nomination forms for Fubara, triggering debates over a possible breach of the agreement.

 

In a counter move, Wike’s allies — including former Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dax George Kelly, and another House of Representatives member, Kingsley Chinda — also picked governorship forms on the platforms of the APC and PDP respectively.

 

The development has further intensified speculation around the 2027 governorship race, which already includes APC chieftain Tonye Patrick Cole, who has vowed not to step down for any candidate.

 

While Cole is considered to have a weaker political structure in the state, attention is shifting to Kelly and Chinda, who are seen as having stronger backing from Wike’s political network.

 

Analysts say Kelly’s riverine background could create a split within APC support in the state, while Chinda’s influence within Ikwerre political blocs may further complicate Fubara’s re-election prospects.

 

Meanwhile, supporters of the governor claim he has backed about 32 aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections, largely described as loyalists across various constituencies.

 

A source close to the governor said the move was strategic, noting that “Fubara bought 32 forms for his foot soldiers to contest all the seats in the Assembly.”

 

The development has reportedly unsettled some members of the Assembly, with allegations that it could trigger renewed impeachment moves once legislative activities resume. Lawmakers are said to be considering constitutional issues, including budgetary approvals and executive council composition.

 

Despite the rising tension, political observers believe the governor may still benefit from support within the APC structure. The APC Governors’ Forum is reportedly backing Fubara’s camp, while some party leaders have urged President Tinubu to rein in Wike to prevent further internal crisis in Rivers APC.

 

Wike, on his part, has maintained that he would not repeat what he described as a “political mistake” of 2023 and has insisted he will play a decisive role in determining the next governor of Rivers State.

 

He has, however, yet to publicly declare his preferred aspirant for the 2027 governorship race.