The peace accord 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 draw closer.
Both men appear to have returned to the trenches over who succeeds Fubara as governor of Rivers State.
The tension is linked to the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which reportedly included an understanding that Fubara would not seek re-election in 2027 and would join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Last December, Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in a move seen as an attempt to escape repeated impeachment threats from the state House of Assembly.
However, fresh controversy began on Tuesday when a group of elders, led by Hon. Awaji Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives and an ally of the governor, purchased governorship forms for Fubara.
The move sparked debate in the state, with critics accusing the governor of reneging on the agreement he allegedly entered into with Wike.
Wike Allies Join Race
In what appeared to be a counter-move, Wike’s allies, Dax George-Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works, and Hon. Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, also picked governorship forms.
George-Kelly reportedly picked the form on the platform of the APC, while Chinda is expected to run on the platform of the PDP.
The race also includes Architect Tonye Patrick Cole of the APC, an ally of former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi.
Cole contested the governorship in 2019 against Wike of the PDP and lost. He also contested in 2023 against Fubara, who was then in the PDP, and lost again.
After picking his form, Cole vowed not to step down for anyone.
Dax, Chinda May Challenge Fubara
Although Cole may not be a strong contender given his weak political base in Rivers State, George-Kelly and Chinda could pose a stronger challenge because of their links to Wike’s political network.
George-Kelly is from the riverine axis, like Fubara, and may split support within the APC.
Chinda, on the other hand, is from Ikwerre, the same ethnic bloc as Wike, and is currently the only PDP aspirant who has openly indicated interest in the governorship race.
Fubara was also alleged to have endorsed 32 aspirants who recently bought forms to contest for seats in the state House of Assembly.
The endorsements reportedly cut across all constituencies and include many loyalists of the governor, led by former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.
A former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo, who is also an ally of Fubara, is said to be preparing to challenge the current Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.
One of the governor’s supporters who spoke with Vanguard claimed, “Fubara bought 32 forms for his foot soldiers to contest all the seats in the Assembly.”
Impeachment Threat May Return
Sources close to the Assembly said the governor’s moves may not sit well with Wike’s camp.
They hinted that lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister could reopen impeachment proceedings when the House resumes plenary.
Some lawmakers are said to be citing alleged constitutional breaches, including issues relating to budget presentation, expenditure approvals and the composition of the state executive council.
Despite the tension, some political observers believe Fubara’s re-election bid may enjoy support within the APC.
They point to the role of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as chairman of the APC screening committee, as well as the support of some APC governors.
Some governors are reportedly urging President Tinubu to caution Wike and prevent further destabilisation of the APC in Rivers State.
Wike had, during a tour of the 23 local government areas in January, vowed not to repeat what he described as the mistake of backing “a disloyal” person as governor in 2027.
Although he has yet to publicly name his preferred aspirant, the minister had made it clear that he would play a major role in deciding who becomes Rivers governor in 2027.
