Fubara Agrees to One-Term Tenure, APC Defection in Return Deal

 

Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State may soon be reinstated after a prolonged political crisis with his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike.

 This comes after a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu on June 27, 2025, which included key stakeholders such as Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other political figures. The conflict, which lasted nearly two years, led to a state of emergency in Rivers State declared by President Tinubu in March. Vice Admiral Ibok Etteh Ibas (retd) was appointed Sole Administrator for six months to stabilize the region.

According to report by Vanguard News, Fubara’s return is reportedly tied to several stringent conditions. Chief among them is that he must not seek re-election in 2027, making him the first elected Rivers governor to serve only one term. This paves the way for Wike to install a loyal successor, possibly from the riverine region to maintain ethnic balance.

Fubara is also expected to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This aligns with the broader APC strategy to consolidate control in the South ahead of the 2027 elections, especially given uncertainties about northern support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Another key condition is that Fubara will conduct local government elections scheduled for August 9 but is barred from nominating any candidates. This would likely allow former council chairmen loyal to Wike to resume office. Additionally, future allocations to local councils will go directly to them, per a Supreme Court ruling, limiting the governor’s influence.

Fubara has also agreed to pay all outstanding allowances to the 27 lawmakers led by Speaker Amaewhule to avoid impeachment. Moreover, he must part ways with his current appointees, including the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff. Wike will have the power to nominate new officials, essentially regaining control over the administration.

Political stakeholders, including leaders of the Ijaw nation, expressed cautious optimism about the peace deal. While welcoming the reconciliation, they urged that the agreement should prioritize the state’s interest and not be skewed in favor of one party. Former Wike aide, Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, expressed hope that democratic institutions would be restored within days, culminating in the reinstatement of Fubara and his deputy.

This political resolution is seen as a strategic move to secure APC dominance and Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions