Fubara Makes Surprising Declaration About Wike as Rivers Power Struggle Takes New Turn

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly distanced himself from the position of political leadership among his supporters, declaring that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should now be recognised as the leader following the reconciliation between their political camps.

According to a report by Vanguard on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Fubara made the declaration on October 27 during a political gathering at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, where the Rainbow Coalition presented its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters and political stakeholders at the event, the governor told those who had continued to address him as their political leader to stop doing so, indicating that the previous divisions between the two camps had supposedly come to an end.

Fubara stated, “I am no more your leader. Stop calling me ‘my leader, my leader’.”

He explained that the political situation had changed following the reconciliation and that members of the previously divided groups were now expected to operate within a common political arrangement. According to him, the emergence of a unified structure meant there should no longer be disagreements over who occupied the position of leader.

“We are now in one house. And because we have one house, there is no issue about who is the leader,” the governor added.

The announcement attracted attention because it marked another significant development in the prolonged political disagreement between Fubara and Wike, which has shaped Rivers State politics since the governor assumed office.

During the same gathering, Fubara handed over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag to Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, the candidate reportedly supported by Wike’s political camp. The gesture was viewed as part of the broader reconciliation arrangement and the political realignment taking place ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the governor’s declaration has generated questions about his political standing and the extent of his influence among supporters who remained loyal to him throughout his disagreement with Wike. Some observers have questioned whether the reconciliation will allow Fubara to retain an independent political base or require him to operate under the leadership structure associated with the FCT minister.

Public commentator Franklin Uket suggested that Fubara had been placed in a difficult political position, arguing that Wike had never wanted the governor to develop an independent political structure. His comments reflected concerns among some observers about the balance of influence between the two political figures following their renewed understanding.

Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Egwebe, HRH Ubokikwan Gabriel Ogbologwung, criticised the governor’s decision, describing it as a surrender of his political independence. His reaction added to the debate over whether the reconciliation represented a compromise for peace or a reduction in Fubara’s political authority.

However, former member of the House of Representatives, Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, offered a different interpretation. He defended the need for political compromise, arguing that maintaining peace sometimes requires individuals to make concessions rather than insist on separate leadership arrangements.

“There is nothing too big for anybody to do to bring peace. You can’t have two masters in the same boat,” Nwuke said.

The contrasting reactions highlight the different views surrounding the reconciliation and its possible implications for Rivers State politics. While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as an opportunity to end the prolonged disagreement, others remain concerned about the political consequences for Fubara and his supporters.

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