Fubara Bows Out: Suspended Rivers Governor Agrees Not to Seek Re-Election After UK Meeting With Tinubu

Fubara Bows Out: Suspended Rivers Governor Agrees Not to Seek Re-Election After UK Meeting With Tinubu

 

 

In a dramatic twist in Rivers State’s ongoing political crisis, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reportedly agreed not to seek re-election in 2027 as part of a broader deal to ease tensions in the state.

 

 

The decision followed a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London last week, multiple sources confirmed.

 

The closed-door session, held during President Tinubu’s 18-day retreat in Europe, was requested by Fubara and marks the first face-to-face engagement between the two since the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025.

 

Sources familiar with the matter told The Africa Report that Fubara pledged to make “certain concessions” during the meeting, including a potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

A senior presidential adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that part of the understanding is that Fubara will complete his current term but will not pursue a second term in office.

 

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” the adviser said. “But from what we know, his suspension will likely be lifted before the six-month deadline set by the emergency decree.”

 

The President’s declaration of emergency rule in March ousted Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing months of political instability that had rendered governance in Rivers State effectively non-functional. A retired Navy Chief, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, was installed as sole administrator.

 

The roots of the crisis lie in a bitter power struggle between Fubara and his former mentor, current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The feud peaked in late 2023 when Fubara ordered the demolition of the state’s House of Assembly complex, sparking legal and political turmoil.

 

Tensions escalated further in February when the Supreme Court ruled against Fubara’s dismissal of 27 lawmakers who had defected from the PDP to the APC—most of whom are loyal to Wike. The Court described the governor’s actions as unconstitutional, reinforcing claims that Rivers had fallen into one-man rule.

 

Despite the ruling, governance in the state has remained paralyzed, with the Appropriation Bill still unpassed as of March 2025. Meanwhile, back-to-back explosions targeting oil pipelines in the state added to the chaos, prompting further security concerns.

 

According to sources, Tinubu agreed to the London meeting after new intelligence reports linked the pipeline attacks to militant groups allegedly aligned with Fubara’s supporters.

 

While Fubara’s camp has not officially confirmed the meeting or its outcomes, aides say the suspended governor is open to reconciliation, provided his dignity is preserved and legal troubles are averted.

 

Notably absent from the London talks was Wike, whose exclusion from the negotiations has reportedly left him uneasy about a resolution that does not include his input.

 

Presidency sources say Tinubu plans to convene a broader peace summit involving Fubara, Wike, and key lawmakers from Rivers in a bid to forge a lasting solution.

 

The outcome of these negotiations could determine not only the future of governance in Rivers but also reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Fubara potentially joining the APC, analysts say the ruling party’s grip on the oil-rich state may be significantly strengthened.

 

For now, however, all eyes remain on whether the delicate peace will hold — and whether Rivers can return to democratic normalcy after months of uncertainty.