Politics

Rivers: Wike, Fubara reconciliation tears supporters apart

Published

11 months ago

June 28, 2025

Trends Admin

L-R Governor Sim Fubara, President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

Rivers: Wike, Fubara reconciliation tears supporters apart

Supporters of Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, are divided over his reconciliation with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

While some applauded the development, others regarded the peace, negotiated by President Bola Tinubu, as fragile and the governor’s surrender.

On Thursday night, the president arranged a truce between Fubara and his political godfather, Wike.

The closed-door meeting took place in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Tinubu hosted Wike, Fubara, and Martin Amaewhule, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, together with a few other lawmakers.

According to presidency sources familiar with the pact, Fubara agreed to complete his current term in exchange for a vow not to run for reelection in 2027.

“It was one of the issues raised. In fact, it was the main issue. He agreed to conclude his tenure in peace and leave the stage after that,” said a source.

“Yes, they reached an agreement yesternight (Thursday). The goal is for peace to return to Rivers State. But I think Fubara got the shorter end of the stick,” another source revealed.

Chronicle NG gathered that Fubara also agreed to allow Wike to nominate all the local government chairpersons across the 23 LGAs of the state.

Speaking to the press after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Wike confirmed that the political rift between him and Fubara had been resolved, with both camps agreeing to end hostilities and work in unity.

“We are members of the same political family,” Wike said.

Wike acknowledged that the crisis had lingered for months but described the Thursday agreement as conclusive.

“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have time to also settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President; that is what we have agreed to. So for me, everything is over,” he noted.

Fubara verified the truce, calling it a divine intervention and a watershed moment for Rivers State.

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Fubara also vowed his entire dedication to maintaining the unity gained at the presidential peace meeting.

The conflict between Wike and Fubara began immediately after the latter took office in May 2023.

Tensions rose in October 2023 when members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who supported Wike launched impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

In response to a suspicious fire, the governor demolished the Assembly complex and relocated parliamentary meetings to temporary quarters.

In the months that followed, the power struggle pushed the state into a governance crisis.

In December 2023, President Tinubu intervened, facilitating a fragile truce that resulted in a peace agreement in which Fubara yielded key political jobs to Wike’s supporters.

However, the arrangement failed, and the dispute revived when the president declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.

Tinubu’s proclamation froze the governor’s executive powers for six months, citing increased insecurity and administrative gridlock.

He then appointed a single administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).

Meanwhile, the truce has created a schism between supporters of the suspended Rivers State governor.

Concerns focused mostly on the nature and composition of the reconciliation.

Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, described what happened in Abuja as a surrender rather than a reconciliation.

Speaking in an interview, the former commissioner stated that there was no reconciliation because the governor did not accompany his supporters.

He branded the development as cruel, claiming that Wike had succeeded in cowing the governor into submission.

Nwibubasa stated, “What I see is not reconciliation. What I see is a surrender. In a reconciliation, parties come with their supporters, and discussions are made, and concessions are made. Where Governor Fubara walked alone to the presidency without a single one of his own supporters, not his deputy, not his secretary to the state government, not his chief of staff, not his factional speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and others.

“On the other hand, Wike went with his entire House of Assembly loyalists and elders, and you say they went for reconciliation. No, I think Governor Sim was called to surrender, and he did.

“And the composition of that visit to Mr President is a story itself, and it tells you to what extent these very divisive and vicious Abuja politicians have gone to cow the governor into surrender.”

Speaking on the implication for the state, Nwibubasa said it was a return to the trenches.

“What it behoves for Rivers people is clear: that the political structures, economic structures and realm of leadership of Rivers State have returned to the old order,” he added.

Also, a group, the Rivers Emancipation Movement, in a statement on Friday, said the reconciliation was not in the interest of the people of the state.

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The group said any resolution that massaged the ego of “a few selfish individuals and undermined the collective interest of Rivers people will not stand.”

The National President of the group, Zoe Tamunotonye, mentioned that Fubara betrayed the people of the state who stood by him by not carrying them along in the process.

The statement partly read, “This development marks the second Abuja-brokered reconciliation attempt. The first failed to yield any meaningful resolution or address the real causes of the political tension that has paralysed governance and destabilised peace in Rivers State.

“REM unequivocally frowns at this so-called reconciliation in its entirety. It is nothing more than a hollow, self-serving political arrangement that prioritises the narrow interests of a few political actors while completely ignoring the collective pain, sacrifices, and aspirations of the Rivers people. This is not reconciliation—it is a calculated collusion that will fail again.”

The organisation said that the truce was based on “falsehood, self-interest, and short-term political convenience” and hence would not continue.

Deji Adeyanju, a human rights activist and political pundit, called the peace agreement asprecarious.

“Wike has proved time and again that his word holds no weight. The recent reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike should not be mistaken for lasting peace,” Adeyanju stated.

Referencing Wike’s past political behaviour, Adeyanju said, “From his vow at the PDP convention to abide by the outcome, which he swiftly disregarded, to his betrayal of Dr Peter Odili, a man he once called his political father, and his calculated political attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Wike’s pattern is clear; he honours only his own ambition.”

He issued a warning that the reconciliation should be seen not as a breakthrough but as a “trap”.

“Governor Fubara must prepare his mind that this reconciliation is a trap and not a truce. Wike will not only undermine him now but will breach the agreement on purpose,” he said.

Rivers: Wike, Fubara reconciliation tears supporters apart

Related Topics:Featured Fubara reconciliation Rivers Wike

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Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

The race for the 2027 Lagos governorship election gathered momentum on Sunday as Conference 57, the umbrella body of council chairmen in Lagos State, officially endorsed Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat as its preferred candidate for governor.

The endorsement was announced during a strategic meeting of local government chairmen held in Ikeja, where party stakeholders and grassroots political leaders pledged support for Hamzat’s anticipated bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Conference 57 comprises chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state, making it one of the strongest grassroots political blocs in Lagos.

Speaking at the meeting, Conference 57 chairman, Sesan Olowa, said the decision followed consultations with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and leaders of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

According to Olowa, the council chairmen unanimously agreed that Hamzat possesses the experience, loyalty, and leadership qualities required to sustain Lagos’ growth and development.

“Our appreciation goes to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and GAC leaders for choosing Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat,” Olowa said.

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“We are proud of this decision and convinced it will move Lagos closer to its megacity aspirations.”

He noted that Hamzat had served Lagos State diligently for years and played strategic roles in different administrations, contributing significantly to governance, infrastructure development, and policy implementation.

Olowa added that the endorsement reflected the confidence grassroots political leaders had in the deputy governor’s capacity to lead Africa’s commercial capital.

Conference 57 spokesman, Olasoju Adebayo, also described Hamzat as an experienced technocrat and administrator with deep knowledge of governance and public service.

According to him, Hamzat’s tenure as commissioner in previous administrations helped lay the foundation for several technological and infrastructural reforms in Lagos.

“Dr Obafemi Hamzat is an astute administrator with wide experience across government institutions,” Adebayo said.

“When he served as commissioner, he laid foundations for technological and infrastructural advancement.”

Adebayo assured the deputy governor of widespread grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election, stressing that many Lagos residents already trusted his leadership capacity.

Responding to the endorsement, Hamzat thanked the council and LCDA chairmen for their support and described local government officials as critical stakeholders because of their closeness to residents at the grassroots level.

“I thank all local government and LCDA chairmen for this endorsement. They have assured me of their support for Mr President and APC candidates in 2027,” Hamzat said.

The deputy governor also stressed the importance of long-term planning as Lagos continues to experience rapid population growth and urban expansion.

“Our party understands Lagos geography, its challenges and the solutions required,” he added.

The endorsement is expected to further strengthen Hamzat’s political standing within the Lagos APC, especially following recent reports that the Governance Advisory Council had adopted him as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Political observers believe the backing of Conference 57 could significantly boost Hamzat’s grassroots support across the state as the succession battle gradually takes shape within the ruling party.

Lagos Council Chairmen Endorse Hamzat For 2027 Governorship Race

Politics

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Published

14 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Several serving members of the House of Representatives have lost their bids to return to the National Assembly after failing to secure tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries conducted across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, held in various states over the weekend, produced major political upsets as influential lawmakers were defeated by challengers backed by governors, party stakeholders, and zoning arrangements.

One of the most prominent casualties was the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who lost the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State.

Ihonvbere, who sought a third term in the House of Representatives, was defeated by former Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.

Political sources within the party linked his defeat to an existing zoning arrangement between Owan East and Owan West local government areas, which reportedly favoured a power shift.

The outcome has been described as one of the biggest surprises of the APC primaries, considering Ihonvbere’s influence within the House leadership and the ruling party structure.

Also in Edo State, Eseosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency, failed to secure the APC ticket after losing to former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

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Iyawe was originally elected into the House under the Labour Party before defecting to the APC during the ongoing wave of political realignments in the National Assembly.

His defeat is seen by political observers as a setback to his efforts to consolidate his political base within the ruling party.

In Imo State, four incumbent lawmakers were denied the opportunity to return to the House under the APC platform.

Those who lost out include Matthew Nwogu, representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Miriam Onuoha of Okigwe South Federal Constituency; Harrison Nwadike, representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency; and Emeka Martins Chinedu of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency.

The Imo primaries reportedly witnessed intense lobbying and influence from major political blocs loyal to Governor Hope Uzodimma, with several party leaders backing new entrants over incumbent lawmakers.

In Kwara State, Ismail Kayode, who currently represents Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency, also lost his return ticket.

Kayode was defeated by Rafiu Ajakaye, a former Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Party insiders said Ajakaye enjoyed strong support from the state political structure and key stakeholders within the APC.

A similar scenario played out in Kebbi State where Mansur Musa Jega lost the APC ticket for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker was edged out following a consensus arrangement that produced former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega, as the party’s preferred candidate.

The use of consensus arrangements in several states has continued to generate controversy within the APC, with some aspirants accusing party leaders of imposing candidates.

Jigawa State also recorded significant casualties during the exercise as four serving lawmakers failed to clinch tickets.

The affected lawmakers include Muktar Muhammad of Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Usman Auyo representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, Sa’adu Wada Taura of Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, and Yusif Sa’idu Miga, representing Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency.

Political analysts say the outcome of the primaries reflects growing internal power shifts within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with governors and influential party figures tightening their grip on candidate selection processes.

In several states, aggrieved aspirants and their supporters reportedly protested the conduct of the primaries, alleging manipulation, imposition of candidates, and lack of transparency.

Despite the controversies, the APC leadership has insisted that the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

The ruling party is expected to conclude appeals arising from the primaries in the coming days as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Additional Lawmakers Reportedly Affected In APC Primaries

Julius Ihonvbere — Owan Federal Constituency (Edo)
Eseosa Iyawe — Oredo Federal Constituency (Edo)
Matthew Nwogu — Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala (Imo)
Miriam Onuoha — Okigwe South (Imo)
Harrison Nwadike — Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele (Imo)
Emeka Martins Chinedu — Ahiazu/Ezinihitte (Imo)
Ismail Kayode — Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa (Kwara)
Mansur Musa Jega — Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro (Kebbi)
Muktar Muhammad — Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi (Jigawa)
Ibrahim Usman Auyo — Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa (Jigawa)
Sa’adu Wada Taura — Ringim/Taura (Jigawa)
Yusif Sa’idu Miga — Jahun/Miga (Jigawa)

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Politics

Buhari’s Son Wins APC Reps Ticket In Katsina Landslide Victory

Published

23 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Buhari’s Son Wins APC Reps Ticket In Katsina Landslide Victory

Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed satisfaction with his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency in Katsina State, describing his victory as a landslide.

The APC primary election, held on Saturday, produced Yusuf as the party’s flag bearer after a heavily contested process that drew attention due to the high-profile nature of the candidates involved.

Yusuf, in a post shared on social media while the election was ongoing, said he secured a decisive mandate from delegates. He stated: “Alhamdulillah! We have secured a landslide victory with 5,849 votes, defeating our opponent who polled just 21 votes. This overwhelming mandate is a clear demonstration of the trust, confidence and support of our people,” while thanking supporters for their backing.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the Chairman of the constituency APC primary election committee, Lawan Garba, officially announced that Yusuf Buhari polled 17,342 votes to defeat his closest rival, Auwalu Musa Daura, who scored 480 votes, confirming him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

However, the outcome was immediately rejected by Auwalu Musa Daura, son of former DSS Director-General Lawan Daura, who alleged irregularities in the exercise. He claimed that the primary election did not follow APC guidelines and insisted that many participants were not registered party members, describing the process as flawed.

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Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa shortly after the election, Yusuf Buhari described the process as peaceful and transparent, insisting that there was no violence or disruption during voting. He added that aggrieved candidates were free to seek legal or party-level redress if dissatisfied with the outcome.

“I thank Allah and will continue to appreciate the good people of Daura/Sandamu/Mai’Adua for coming out to vote for me,” he said, while also calling for unity within the party.

Yusuf added that he intends to carry all stakeholders along, including his opponents, in preparation for the general elections, stressing that his ambition represents a youth-driven movement aimed at increasing youth participation in politics.

The Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua constituency is a politically significant stronghold in Katsina State, the home base of the Buhari political family, making the outcome particularly notable in the state’s political landscape.

The APC primaries in the state featured several competitive races, but Yusuf Buhari’s contest attracted significant public attention due to his family background and the involvement of other politically connected aspirants.

Party officials maintained that the exercise was conducted in line with APC guidelines and was largely peaceful across polling units, setting the stage for Yusuf Buhari’s participation in the 2027 general elections.