Inside story: How Tinubu, APC withdrew support for Fubara

Fresh details have emerged on the political rift that led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to distance themselves from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his prolonged power struggle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Sources within the APC revealed that Fubara’s relationship with the President and party leadership deteriorated after he allegedly failed to honour key reconciliation terms reached during earlier interventions to resolve the crisis.

A member of the party’s National Working Committee, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that Fubara’s defection to the APC did not receive formal backing because he lacked Wike’s endorsement and was perceived to be acting against an existing political arrangement.

According to the insider, Tinubu had advised Fubara to focus on governance while leaving party politics in Rivers State to Wike, who was seen as the dominant political figure in the state. The source added that part of the truce that helped Fubara survive multiple impeachment threats included an understanding that he would not seek a second term.

Despite this, the governor was said to have continued political manoeuvres, allegedly influenced by some party figures who assured him of support for re-election.

Further findings indicated that the APC leadership declined to support Fubara’s second-term ambition, citing both the earlier agreement and the President’s stance. The party was also said to have sidelined the governor in key political processes, including the screening of aspirants, where none of his loyalists reportedly scaled through.

Another party chieftain in Abuja claimed Fubara was not cleared by the APC governorship screening committee led by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru. According to the source, the governor’s subsequent withdrawal from the race was merely a face-saving move after his disqualification.

An ally of Wike also confirmed that the party’s decision was rooted in enforcing the earlier agreement, insisting that Fubara’s political fate had effectively been sealed.

Muted Reception After Defection

Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in December 2025 and later visited the party’s national secretariat, pledging support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, unlike other defecting governors who were formally received by high-ranking party delegations, Fubara did not get an official reception—an omission that observers say signalled his weak standing within the party.

Although Yilwatda attributed the delay at the time to “regional sensitivities,” party insiders now suggest deeper political reasons were responsible.

Impeachment Battles and Presidential Intervention

The Rivers governor faced at least three impeachment attempts during the crisis, beginning in October 2023. The situation escalated into protests and unrest before Tinubu intervened to broker peace.

A second attempt in 2025 led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, during which Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended. The President appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state before restoring normalcy months later.

A third impeachment move began in January 2026 but was again reportedly halted following presidential intervention.

Backlash Over Withdrawal from 2027 Race

Fubara’s eventual withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race has drawn criticism from supporters and regional groups.

Prominent Niger Delta figure Anabs Sara-Igbe blamed Wike for the development, accusing him of wielding excessive influence over Rivers politics.

Similarly, Ijaw youth leader Ibim Ibiwari described the decision as disappointing, noting that many supporters feel betrayed after backing Fubara’s administration.

Other stakeholders, including youth groups and former aides, have urged the governor to reconsider, arguing that his withdrawal undermines the mandate of the people and the region’s political aspirations.

Despite the controversy, APC insiders maintain that the party’s actions are consistent with internal agreements and existing political realities in Rivers State.

(Punch)