Future of Fubara loyalists remains uncertain in Rivers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The political future of officials loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains uncertain after his rapprochement with Nyesom Wike. The analysis examines the governor’s loss of influence after a Supreme Court ruling on Rivers local elections, according to Punch.
The reconciliation between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Nigeria’s Rivers State, and Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s former political mentor, raises questions about the future of the governor’s allies in Rivers politics. Punch examines their place in the local political landscape and the influence Fubara retains after his rapprochement with Wike.
Nigeria’s Supreme Court annulled in February 2025 the local elections organised by the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission under Fubara and recognised Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the State Assembly, Punch reports. Following the decision, local elected officials close to Fubara lost some of their ability to act, while the conflict with Wike had already led to an impeachment threat and tensions over oil infrastructure.
The situation was subsequently marked by President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency, which suspended Fubara and the Rivers Assembly and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator of the state. On his return in September 2025, Fubara found a balance of power favourable to Wike, according to Punch.
The rapprochement between the two men came after their meeting in Port Harcourt on 18 October. It also followed Fubara’s decision, announced on 1 November, to give up his bid for re-election and leave his political future to Wike.
