Fresh indications have emerged that the fragile political truce between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be unravelling ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The renewed tension is reportedly centred on the battle over who succeeds Fubara in 2027, with political camps loyal to both men already mobilising across party lines.
Sources within the state’s political circle alleged that the peace arrangement brokered by President Bola Tinubu included an understanding that Fubara would not seek a second term and would align fully with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December following months of political crisis and repeated impeachment threats from lawmakers loyal to Wike.
However, the political atmosphere changed earlier this week after a group of elders led by House of Representatives member, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, reportedly obtained governorship nomination forms for the governor.
The development immediately triggered speculation that Fubara may now be reconsidering a second-term bid, a move many believe could reopen the rift between him and Wike.
In what observers described as a strategic response from Wike’s camp, former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dax George-Kelly, and House of Representatives member, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, also entered the governorship race.
George-Kelly is expected to contest under the APC platform, while Chinda is believed to be positioning himself within the PDP.
Meanwhile, former APC governorship candidate, Tonye Patrick Cole, has also re-entered the race.
Cole, who contested against Wike in 2019 and against Fubara in 2023, reportedly declared after obtaining his nomination form that he would not withdraw for any aspirant.
Although political analysts believe Cole may face challenges due to his limited grassroots structure, attention has shifted to George-Kelly and Chinda because of their strong links to Wike’s political machinery.
George-Kelly’s riverine background is also being viewed as a possible advantage against Fubara, who comes from the same axis.
At the same time, Fubara is said to be consolidating his influence within the state legislature ahead of the elections.
Reports indicated that the governor backed 32 aspirants seeking seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, including loyalists led by former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.
A former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo, who is considered close to the governor, is also reportedly preparing to challenge current Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
One loyalist of the governor told Vanguard, “Fubara bought 32 forms for his foot soldiers to contest all the seats in the Assembly.”
Sources close to the Assembly said the latest political moves by the governor may provoke a fresh confrontation with lawmakers aligned with Wike.
The sources hinted that impeachment proceedings against Fubara could return once the House resumes plenary.
According to the insiders, some lawmakers are already raising concerns over alleged constitutional violations involving budget presentation, approval of expenditures and the composition of the state executive council.
Despite the mounting tension, some political stakeholders believe Fubara could still secure backing within the APC ahead of the governorship contest.
They pointed to the influence of Hope Uzodimma, who is said to chair the APC screening committee, alongside support from several APC governors sympathetic to Fubara’s position.
Some party leaders are also reportedly urging President Tinubu to caution Wike against actions that could deepen internal divisions within the APC in Rivers State.
Wike had earlier warned during his tour of Rivers’ 23 local government areas in January that he would not repeat what he described as the “mistake” of supporting “a disloyal person” for governor.
Though the FCT minister has yet to publicly endorse any aspirant, he has consistently maintained that he would play a decisive role in determining who becomes the next governor of Rivers State in 2027.
