In what appears to be a major political win for President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reportedly accepted a list of stringent conditions as part of a settlement that paves the way for his reinstatement.
The reconciliation, seen by many as a strategic move to stabilize Rivers politics and strengthen APC’s influence ahead of 2027, follows a peace meeting hosted by President Tinubu on June 27, 2025.
The political deadlock, which lasted nearly two years, saw Fubara clash with his political benefactor Wike, leading to a state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in March. Vice Admiral Ibok Etteh Ibas (retd) was appointed as Sole Administrator to restore order.
Sources confirm that Fubara agreed to forgo his second term bid in 2027 and defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC). He is also expected to oversee the August 9 local government elections but is barred from nominating any candidates.
This move ensures Wike’s loyalists can reclaim council seats and positions of power, with Tinubu’s political machinery firmly behind the transition.
Further conditions include the removal of key Fubara loyalists such as SSG Dr. Tammy Danagogo and CoS Dr. Edison Ehie, allowing Wike to handpick replacements.
This restructuring consolidates Wike’s dominance while aligning the rivers government with Tinubu’s federal agenda.
Analysts view this development as a strategic triumph for Tinubu, boosting his 2027 reelection prospects by eliminating internal resistance and securing Rivers a key state in the South-South geopolitical zone.
It’s clear the President and the Minister have achieved their objective,” said a political source. “Fubara, once a prodigal son, has returned to the fold.
Ijaw leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the peace deal cautiously, urging that any agreements made should not compromise the state’s democratic integrity.
They call on President Tinubu to ensure fair representation moving forward.
With Fubara’s return imminent, the stage is set for a politically recalibrated Rivers under Wike and Tinubu’s united control signaling the duo as undisputed winners of the state’s long-standing political standoff
