Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has once again intervened in the protracted political feud rocking Rivers State, securing a new peace deal that halts impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara while directing the governor to formally recognize former Governor Nyesom Wike as the undisputed “political leader” of the state.
The latest mediation, reported across major outlets including Arise News and others on February 3, 2026, comes amid escalating tensions that have threatened governance, legislative functions, and stability in the oil-rich Niger Delta state. The agreement reshapes the power dynamics, reinforcing Wike's influence despite his role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Tinubu's APC-led administration.
Key elements of the presidential directive include:
An immediate cessation of all impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, previously pushed by Wike-aligned lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
A clear instruction to Fubara to acknowledge Wike as the dominant political figure in Rivers State, with authority over party structures and political alignments transcending PDP-APC lines.
Withdrawal by Wike and his allies from any further destabilizing actions, shifting focus back to governance and public service.
Deferral of discussions on Fubara's potential 2027 re-election bid, described by the president as “premature” at this stage.
The rift traces back to May 2023, when Fubara assumed office with Wike's strong backing as his political godfather. Relations deteriorated as the governor sought greater autonomy, leading to factionalization within the state assembly—where most members aligned with Wike—and repeated impeachment attempts. Earlier peace efforts, including a December 2023 accord brokered by Tinubu, collapsed, culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, and Fubara's six-month suspension.
In the recent talks, Tinubu reportedly drew parallels to Lagos State politics, questioning hierarchies: “Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?” He emphasized respect for seniority, experience, and influence, insisting that personal disputes must not undermine established political order.
The truce extends to the upcoming Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies. The Ahoada East II seat fell vacant after Edison Ehie resigned to serve as Fubara's Chief of Staff, while Khana II has been empty since the death of lawmaker Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.
As part of the arrangement, Tinubu directed that Wike's preferred candidates for these by-elections be recognized and supported by the relevant party structures, underscoring Wike's continued sway in state-level political machinery.
While Wike remains a PDP stalwart, his federal cabinet position has complicated alignments, with Fubara navigating closer ties to APC frameworks under Tinubu's influence. The president warned that ongoing instability would not be tolerated, as it risks broader governance challenges in a key economic hub.
This intervention aims to prioritize calm and effective administration ahead of future electoral cycles, though analysts note the fragile nature of such deals in Rivers' volatile political landscape. Governor Fubara and stakeholders have yet to issue detailed public responses, but the move signals Tinubu's determination to enforce stability in one of Nigeria's most strategic states.
