After nearly two years of political turmoil, a glimmer of hope re-emerged for Rivers State on Thursday, June 27, as images surfaced online showing a smiling President Bola Tinubu flanked by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The rare show of unity followed a high-stakes peace meeting in Abuja, the latest in a series of interventions to resolve one of Nigeria’s most protracted political crises.
But beneath the smiles and handshakes lies a political deal riddled with hard compromises, power shifts, and deep concessions that could shape not only the future of Rivers politics but also tilt the balance for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Steps In, Declares Emergency
President Tinubu had taken an extraordinary step back in March 2025 by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State amid escalating hostilities between Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Nyesom Wike. That move suspended all democratic institutions and installed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Etteh Ibas as Sole Administrator, tasked with restoring order over a six-month transitional period.
The political freeze also denied the people of Rivers the opportunity to mark Fubara’s two years in office and participate fully in the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations. Since then, tension in the state has remained at a boiling point, until now.
A Deal with Conditions
While the late-night Abuja parley may have rekindled optimism, sources say the conditions tied to Fubara’s reinstatement are sweeping and, in some cases, politically humiliating.
Among the most significant is the governor's alleged agreement to forgo a second term in 2027. This would make Fubara the first democratically elected governor in Rivers to serve only one term, a political sacrifice designed to clear the way for Wike’s preferred successor and consolidate APC control in the state.
Yes, he (Fubara) has agreed to do one term as a condition to his return as governor. This is predicated on the fact that the governor failed to recognize the source that brought him to power. He abandoned his political family to hobnob with Wike’s political enemies and those who never wanted him as governor of the state in 2023.
The implications are clear, loyalty to Wike is now the price of political survival.
Forced Defection to the APC
As part of the political realignment, Fubara is expected to defect from the PDP to the APC, a move that would align Rivers with the shifting political current in the South-South, where most PDP governors have already crossed over. The calculation, sources say, is strategic: with northern support for Tinubu uncertain in 2027, locking down the South becomes essential.
APC wants to get the entire southern Nigeria because there is no guarantee that the North will support Tinubu in 2027
Control Without Power
Even as Fubara is likely to oversee the upcoming August 9 local government elections, he reportedly won’t have any say in who contests. The deal allegedly bars him from nominating even a councillor, ensuring that Wike loyalists dominate the polls.
The controversial appointment of Cross River-born Michael Odey as RSIEC chairman, already facing backlash over federal character concerns, will stand. But having Fubara supervise the elections is seen as a bid to give the process a veneer of legitimacy, while effectively sidelining him.
Sweeping Cabinet Overhaul
Another critical aspect of the deal reportedly mandates Fubara to sack key loyalists and political allies, including SSG Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, and several former commissioners. All future appointments will reportedly be vetted or outrightly chosen by Wike.
“Every appointment must take a fresh start,” a source confirmed. “Wike will nominate who becomes what in government.”
The purge aims to dismantle the influence of figures seen as political enemies of the FCT Minister and cement control within his inner circle.
Paying Off Lawmakers and Avoiding Impeachment
Fubara has also reportedly agreed to settle outstanding allowances owed to the 27 pro-Wike House of Assembly members. This move is seen as a buffer against possible impeachment threats should he step out of line with the new power-sharing arrangement. In exchange for peace, Fubara is expected to relinquish nearly all executive leverage, reducing his role to that of a ceremonial figurehead while real power consolidates around Wike and his loyalists.
Reactions
President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, welcomed the peace move but warned against any agreement that undermines the interests of Rivers people. Other leaders, like Joseph Ambakaderimo of the South-South Reawakening Group, praised Tinubu’s efforts and urged for the quick restoration of democratic structures.
We are very happy about the reconciliation. We thank Mr. President for his resolve to carry this to the end. Now is the time to restore all the democratic institutions that were suspended in the past three months. We believe that anytime soon, Governor Fubara will be reinstated Ambakaderimo said
Even former Wike aide, Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, expressed cautious optimism:
It seems that everything will work out as envisaged this time. My instinct tells me that within the next one week, at most 10 days, I expect President Tinubu to bring back to life all democratic institutions in the state. That includes the reinstatement of the governor, his deputy and the legislative arm of government.
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