The political treatment of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary has raised serious concerns, with Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, warning that the situation poses a direct political threat to President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Otubanjo described the handling of Fubara’s case as one of the most surprising developments in Nigeria’s political landscape. He emphasized that the actions taken against the governor, particularly under the influence of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, could undermine Tinubu’s leadership and weaken the APC’s unity.
Otubanjo criticized Wike’s involvement, noting that despite not being a member of the APC, he is effectively dictating political decisions within the party in Rivers State. He expressed alarm at the growing influence of Wike, who has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration, and questioned whether the president’s tactical team is adequately addressing the crisis. “The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics,” Otubanjo stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
He further argued that Wike’s actions are driven by personal ambition rather than alignment with President Tinubu’s agenda. “What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda, despite PBAT and all of that combination,” Otubanjo said, referring to the Presidential Broadcast and Advisory Team, a key group in the administration’s political strategy. He stressed that if Wike truly supports Tinubu’s vision, he should have retained Fubara as the APC’s candidate.
The research director also warned that the current political arrangement in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences for the ruling party and the presidency. He urged the APC leadership to take decisive action to prevent further fragmentation and to ensure party loyalty is maintained. The incident has sparked debate across Nigeria, with many observing the growing tension between Wike and the federal government.
Otubanjo’s remarks come at a time when the APC is preparing for upcoming elections, and internal divisions could affect voter confidence and party cohesion. The situation in Rivers State is being closely watched as a potential indicator of broader challenges facing the Tinubu administration. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of this crisis may shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s governance in the coming months.
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