Godfather Politics: Rivers, Kano Governors Clash with Mentors Ahead of 2027
Story: written by Joseph January 12,2026
As the 2027 general elections approach, some state governors are grappling with political turbulence after falling out with their influential godfathers.
In Rivers and Kano States, Governors Siminalayi Fubara and Abba Yusuf are facing significant hurdles after their decisions to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving their former mentors opposed to their political moves.
Kwankwaso vs Yusuf
In Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf’s planned defection from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC has strained his relationship with his former godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP leader and 2023 presidential candidate. While Yusuf has yet to make a formal announcement, aides and members of the State House of Assembly have confirmed the move.
Kwankwaso had been instrumental in Yusuf’s 2023 gubernatorial victory, but support is now being withdrawn. Sources indicate that several of Kwankwaso’s loyalists in Yusuf’s cabinet, including Commissioner for Youth and Sports Mustapha Kwankwaso, are preparing to resign, and the NNPP has reportedly begun seeking a replacement for Yusuf ahead of 2027.
Wike vs Fubara
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has repeatedly clashed with his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, since the 2023 elections. The latest disagreement stems from Fubara’s alignment with the APC and alleged reneging on a private agreement mediated by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s emergency period, reportedly restricting him from running for a second term.
Wike, who recently spent 17 days touring Rivers’ 23 Local Government Areas to rebuild political structures, has vowed to block Fubara’s re-election, warning that his own political influence is at stake if Fubara returns in 2027.
Impeachment Attempt
The political tension escalated as Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing alleged gross misconduct and illegal spending. The governor is also accused of failing to present the 2026 budget to the assembly.
However, Sydney Gbara, former PDP Rivers State publicity secretary, dismissed the impeachment as a distraction. He argued that the 2025 budget had already been passed by the National Assembly during the emergency rule and assented to by the President, meaning the governor cannot be held responsible for representing it again.
The clashes in Rivers and Kano highlight the growing influence of godfatherism in Nigerian politics and the challenges governors face when breaking away from political mentors ahead of elections.
