President Bola Tinubu has once more intervened in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, directing an immediate halt to moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and laying down firm conditions aimed at restoring stability.
The latest intervention followed months of failed reconciliation efforts that had pushed the oil-rich state close to legislative paralysis and prolonged political uncertainty. Tinubu had earlier brokered a truce between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in December 2023, but the agreement later collapsed, culminating in the declaration of a six-month emergency rule and the suspension of the governor on March 18, 2025.
In the renewed effort to douse tensions, the president reportedly acted shortly before leaving for an official visit to Türkiye on January 26. Multiple sources familiar with the discussions said Tinubu ordered an immediate suspension of all impeachment-related actions against Fubara, stressing that continued hostilities would undermine governance and stability in Rivers State.
According to the sources, the president delivered a clear message to both camps: Wike remains the dominant political figure in Rivers politics and must be accorded due respect, regardless of party lines. Tinubu was said to have warned that he would not tolerate actions capable of destabilising the state, which is considered politically strategic ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While directing Wike and his allies to step back from impeachment plans, Tinubu also demanded significant concessions from Fubara. Chief among them was the formal recognition of Wike as the “political leader” in Rivers State, with authority over party affairs and internal disputes.
The feud between Fubara and Wike began barely months after the governor assumed office in May 2023. Wike, who played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, has been accused by the governor’s allies of attempting to control the state’s political machinery from Abuja, an allegation his camp rejects. The disagreement has sharply divided political actors in the state, with the majority of lawmakers aligning with Wike.
Repeated attempts at reconciliation failed to yield lasting peace, eventually leading to emergency rule in the state. While Wike’s supporters accuse Fubara of political ingratitude, the governor’s camp maintains that Rivers State cannot be governed remotely by a former governor now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Sources said Tinubu, in appealing for restraint, drew parallels with leadership structures in Lagos State, emphasising respect for political hierarchy and seniority. He was also said to have cautioned that personal grievances should not override established political order.
As part of the new understanding, Tinubu reportedly directed that candidates loyal to Wike be recognised for the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the polls for February 21, 2026, to fill the vacant Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies.
The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its occupant, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
The sensitive issue of Fubara’s second-term ambition was also reportedly raised during discussions but was deliberately set aside. Tinubu was said to have described any talk about the 2027 governorship race as premature, urging all parties to focus on restoring peace and effective governance in the state.