Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara appears set to join the list of governors who served only a single term. The political climate in the state remains tense, fueled by shifting alliances and realignments among key actors.
According to sources close to the presidency, Fubara’s relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the APC soured after he allegedly breached the reconciliation terms agreed with Nyesom Wike.
What We Know About How Fubara Lost Tinubu’s Backing In Rivers
Alleged Breach of Agreement
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during Tinubu-brokered talks agreed that he would not seek a second term.
According to sources, the deal – not contesting for a second term was part of the settlement to end the first impeachment crisis in late 2023.
Insiders claimed that Governor Fubara later tried to sideline Wike after joining the APC, hoping to secure the party structure for 2027.
“The President handed over the political structure of Rivers State to Wike. Fubara joined the party to outsmart Wike, but the party leadership knew the President’s body language. That was why no official reception was given.”
No Official Welcome, No Screening Clearance
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on December 9, 2025, decamped from the PDP to APC, and visited the APC secretariat on December 17, pledging to work for Tinubu’s 2027 victory.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that Fubara was never formally received unlike other PDP governors who defected — Sheriff Oborevwori, Umo Eno, Douye Diri, and Peter Mbah.
However, the APC National Chairman, Yilwatda attributed the delay to “regional sensitivities” and the party’s focus on northern governors during Ramadan.
Insider told WITHIN NIGERIA that Fubara was also not cleared by the governorship screening committee led by Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru.
“He was told he could not contest under the party. That means he was disqualified. Fubara left the screening venue angrily”, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered.
Three Impeachment Plots
Governor Siminalayi Fubara survived three impeachment plots. The last intervention by President Bola Tinubu brokered peace between him and aggrieved Rivers lawmakers.
October 30, 2023: 24 lawmakers signed an impeachment notice five months into his term. It triggered chaos at the Assembly and was withdrawn in December after Tinubu brokered peace.
March 2025: Lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule moved again to impeach Fubara and his deputy. On Mar 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara, Deputy Gov. Ngozi Odu, and the Assembly for six months. Retired Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed administrator. The emergency ended Sept 17, 2025.
Jan 8, 2026: Lawmakers began a third impeachment process over alleged gross misconduct. Tinubu intervened again despite being out of the country at the time.
Backlash in Rivers and the South-South
Following the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the 2027 guber race, some Ijaw leaders and youth groups in Rivers have expressed their dissatisfaction and concerns over the development.
Anabs Sara-Igbe, pioneer spokesman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), while reacting to the development said: “I’ve never seen anything like this. One man thinks he can do and undo as he pleases, and no one dares challenge him. Rivers people, open your eyes.”
Ibim Ibiwari, Chairman of IYC Eastern Zone, said Ijaw people were “disappointed” and noted they had supported every Rivers governor since 1999, including Wike. He said the decision left supporters in a “mourning mood.”
Savior Imeabe, South-South Youths Initiative President, said Fubara holds office “in trust for the people” and should not decide alone.
Chris Itamunola, former Fubara aide called the withdrawal “unacceptable” and questioned the claim of maintaining peace after nearly four years of crisis.
The Current State of Play
APC insiders say the party structure for Rivers primaries was handed to Wike, and none of Fubara’s candidates were cleared for House of Assembly or National Assembly tickets.
“Wike is in control of Rivers politics and, until something changes, he will continue to hold sway,” a source told WITHIN NIGERIA.
