Rivers Turmoil: Nigerians Alarmed as Wike–Fubara Power Struggle Disrupts Governance
Story: written by Joseph January 16,2026
Political observers and concerned Nigerians are increasingly worried that the prolonged face-off between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is crippling governance and threatening stability in the oil-rich state.
Not long after the 2023 governorship election and Fubara’s inauguration, cracks emerged in his relationship with Wike, his political benefactor and immediate past governor. The disagreement has since grown into an intense power struggle, polarising opinions across the country.
While some critics describe Wike as domineering, others fault Governor Fubara for distancing himself from the political structure that facilitated his rise, arguing that loyalty remains a core currency in Nigerian politics. According to them, political power is rarely accidental but built on alliances and support systems.
Commenting on the situation, APC chieftain in Delta State, Chief Chukwuma Ugbah, noted that loyalty is a vital political asset, stressing that the endorsement of a sitting governor or influential leader often determines electoral success.
Although disagreements between political successors and predecessors are not uncommon, analysts warn that allowing such disputes to escalate into open warfare can severely undermine governance. Hopes that peace had been restored through President Bola Tinubu’s intervention appear to have faded, as the crisis has taken a fresh turn.
Governor Fubara, who previously avoided impeachment following presidential intervention and a state of emergency declaration, was again issued an impeachment notice last week by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move has been widely linked to the ongoing rift with Wike.
Earlier impeachment threats were based on allegations including the bombing of the Assembly complex, conducting local government elections against court orders, and presenting the state budget to a faction of lawmakers while sidelining others.
Regardless of who bears responsibility, many Nigerians fear the standoff is breeding instability, weakening democratic institutions, and distracting the government from delivering essential services. Analysts warn that the rivalry could intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, further eroding public trust.
Some political thinkers believe the crisis is also tied to a broader struggle for relevance and influence at the centre. Former presidential candidate, Chief Peter Ameh, described the situation as a tragic rivalry driven by desperation for patronage, arguing that ordinary Rivers residents are the real victims.
Ameh lamented that governance has suffered, democratic values weakened, and development stalled as political actors prioritise personal survival over public interest.
Echoing similar concerns, Rivers stakeholder Barr. Chizi Enyi said the prolonged crisis has dealt a heavy blow to infrastructure and development, noting that legislative gridlock has stalled budgets, appointments, and key projects.
APC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze also warned that the political tussle has scared away investors, halted major infrastructure projects, and disrupted economic activities, leaving lasting damage on the state’s economy.
Despite the tension, there are reports that President Tinubu has again stepped in, halting the latest impeachment move, while some lawmakers have withdrawn from the process—raising cautious hopes for de-escalation.
