Politics
Fubara reportedly plans to join APC amid Tinubu’s deal
Fubara reportedly plans to join APC amid Tinubu’s deal
In a development that could significantly alter the political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is reportedly on the verge of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a prolonged period of political coercion and institutional pressure allegedly orchestrated by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the move marks the climax of a concerted effort by the ruling APC to secure strategic control of key states.
Insiders familiar with the situation describe the tactics employed against Governor Fubara as “unprecedented and deeply troubling,” suggesting a systematic campaign to strip him of political leverage.
According to the online newspaper, federal administration is said to have mobilized state machinery—including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and the National Assembly—in an effort to isolate and subdue Fubara politically.
At the center of the unfolding saga is Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—once Fubara’s political mentor, now his chief rival. With the apparent support of the Presidency, Wike is believed to have led the charge against the embattled governor through various means, including legislative threats, court actions, and a rumored impeachment plan.
“The President wanted Rivers State under control by any means necessary,” one source disclosed. “The fear of 2027 is real. Their internal assessments showed that public discontent was growing over hardship, insecurity, and economic mismanagement. The only way out was to break the opposition and enforce loyalty, state by state.”
The federal government’s alleged refusal to address concerns raised by civil society and prominent citizens further reinforced suspicions of a calculated political offensive.
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A critical turning point reportedly came during the so-called “2025 London Peace Accord”—a behind-the-scenes negotiation between Fubara and President Tinubu.
“It was during this meeting that Governor Fubara agreed to join the APC in exchange for political survival,” a source revealed.
Reports confirmed that Tinubu met with the suspended governor during an official trip to London in April. Although the Presidency has yet to publicly acknowledge the encounter, insiders believe it was the first direct meeting between both men since the political crisis in Rivers escalated.
As part of the arrangement, Fubara would regain his position—albeit with diminished autonomy—as power brokers within the APC would share or supervise control over the state’s key resources. Interestingly, Wike has since altered his public stance, now referring to Fubara as “his son” and denying any rift between them.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike denied fighting with the suspended Rivers State governor, saying, “Fubara is my son, why will I fight with him?
“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.
“When you don’t defeat them, they will think you….. Defeat them to the final stage.
“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”
According to the publication, Wike noted that he had told Fubara during a visit that he was ready for peace — if Fubara was ready as well.
“I told him that you have yam in your hand and the knife, you are the one that knows how you want peace. If you want sincere peace, you take, if you want dubious peace, you also take.”
Despite the outward appearance of reconciliation, many observers remain skeptical, interpreting Fubara’s decision as a concession made under duress.
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“Fubara has been beaten into submission, and Rivers State has been turned into a pawn in the power game of Abuja,” one of the sources said.
“No governor has ever suffered such humiliation as Governor Fubara suffered in the history of Nigerian politics.”
The source lamented how Fubara, a governor, was “humiliated, tormented, and politically crushed” to force him into the ruling party.
No governor has been subjected to such abuse of power in Nigeria’s history,” the source said.
Recall that on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown of law and order and the failure of constitutional mechanisms to resolve the escalating political crisis in the state.
The declaration followed months of intense political turmoil between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Wike.
The conflict, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, led to repeated attempts by a faction of the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor, violent protests, destruction of government property, and a governance vacuum in the state executive council.
Citing the state government’s inability to maintain public order and coordinate essential governance functions, President Tinubu also secured a controversial National Assembly approval for the emergency declaration as required by the Constitution.
He stated that the crisis in Rivers had become a national security concern with implications for democratic stability.
Following the proclamation, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were suspended from office, along with key state officials, and the state’s executive and legislative functions were dissolved.
The President then appointed a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, believed to be loyal to the Presidency, to take charge of governance in the state during the emergency period.
The move was widely condemned by opposition parties, civil society groups, and constitutional scholars, who argued that the declaration was politically motivated and violated democratic norms.
Fubara reportedly plans to join APC amid Tinubu’s deal
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
Politics
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a statement shared via her social media platforms on Friday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration,” she stated.
The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, did not disclose her next political move or indicate whether her resignation is linked to the 2027 general elections, unlike some other cabinet members who have recently stepped down.
Despite her exit from office, Onyejeocha maintained that her commitment to national service remains unwavering, describing her resignation as the beginning of a new phase.
She commended the President’s leadership, noting that serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.
“Your trust, support, and visionary leadership have been invaluable. Working under your Renewed Hope Agenda has been an honour and privilege. Thank you for believing in my capacity to contribute to nation-building,” she said.
The former minister also expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for their cooperation and dedication during her tenure, highlighting efforts made in advancing workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.
She further extended gratitude to her constituents for their continued support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her time in public office.
“Serving Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve,” she added.
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
Politics
Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC
Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter has formally rejected the Nyesom Wike‑aligned faction and pledged unwavering loyalty to the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC), reiterating that all actions outside the party’s constitution are invalid.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, described the rival faction’s so‑called congress as a nullity, a charade, and a political exercise in futility. He emphasized that the PDP in Ondo is guided strictly by rules, due process, and constitutional order, warning that no legitimate congress can occur without valid ward and local government structures recognised by the lawful leadership.
The statement quoted Ondo PDP Chairman Victor Aisida, who affirmed that the state party remains united and constitutionally compliant, dismissing the parallel congress promoted by dissident elements. He stressed that members and aspirants should focus on grassroots mobilisation and party strengthening, rather than distractions created by individuals pursuing personal ambitions.
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The State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Akure brought together Local Government Chairmen, State Executive Council members, and major stakeholders, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Ondo PDP under the recognised Turaki-led leadership. Among the key attendees were Eddy Olafeso, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former National Vice Chairman (South West), former state chairman Clement Faboyede, and Tunde Akindehin.
Addressing the meeting, Olafeso reassured party members that the PDP is intact, united, and fully prepared for upcoming elections, urging active participation in the ongoing membership registration exercise to reinforce the party’s grassroots base. He also encouraged aspirants to continue consultations and mobilization efforts, highlighting that victory remains achievable under the PDP platform in Ondo State.
The Ondo PDP also commended the leadership of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, praising his guidance and consistency in providing direction for the party during a critical period of internal disputes.
The state party warned the public and its members to ignore distractions and noise orchestrated by individuals pursuing illegitimate political agendas, reiterating that the PDP is fully aligned with the national leadership and committed to upholding constitutional and lawful processes.
Political analysts note that Ondo PDP’s position reflects a growing trend among state chapters publicly supporting the Turaki-led NWC, underscoring the ongoing national leadership tussle within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party continues to emphasise legality, due process, and democratic engagement as central to its operations.
Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC
Politics
Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions
Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions
The Festus Keyamo has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its recent decision to derecognise rival factions of the party’s leadership linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
In a statement posted on X, Keyamo said the leadership dispute in the ADC is primarily a legal issue, not a political one, stressing that the faction led by David Mark had created the problem themselves. “Law does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations,” he said.
Keyamo dismissed arguments about maintaining the status quo ante bellum, highlighting that what matters is a pending court case brought by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman. He warned that until the legal matter is resolved, any actions by either faction could be declared invalid, potentially leaving the ADC without candidates for upcoming elections.
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Rather than vilifying INEC, the minister suggested that the party view the derecognition as a timely warning, stating, “Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank them for this timely action, which forewarns the party of the danger ahead.” He also advised the ADC to resolve its internal crisis, seek accelerated court hearings, or explore alternative political options.
Keyamo rejected claims that the government or the All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the ADC’s crisis, emphasising that the leadership dispute arose from internal mismanagement and poor legal planning. He added that continuing with planned congresses and conventions in defiance of court orders would compound the party’s problems.
The minister’s statement follows INEC’s derecognition of the David Mark-led faction, which was guided by a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. INEC has also indicated that it will not recognise any faction until the court delivers a final judgment.
Keyamo’s remarks come amid rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in party leadership disputes and the implications for 2027 general elections preparations.
Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions
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