Tinubu Tells Fubara: No 2027 Re-Election Bid, Gives Wike Control Over LGAs

President Bola Tinubu has laid out clear conditions to end the political crisis in Rivers State, telling Governor Siminalayi Fubara he must abandon plans to run for a second term while granting former governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike sweeping control over local government structures.

According to TheCable, the terms were presented during a private meeting on Thursday, June 26, attended by Tinubu, Fubara, Wike, and members of the embattled Rivers State House of Assembly.

Presidency sources familiar with the negotiations said Tinubu was unequivocal: Fubara could remain in office but must not contest the 2027 governorship election. This was described as the main precondition for allowing him to complete his current four-year term without threat of impeachment.

In addition, Tinubu directed that Wike would be empowered to nominate chairpersons for all 23 local government areas, restoring the grassroots political machinery to the former governor. This leverage is seen as critical for Wike’s influence in Rivers State politics leading up to 2027.

“The president made it clear that the crisis could not drag on,” one source said. “He told Fubara directly: no second term and no control of local government appointments.”

As part of the settlement, Fubara also agreed to settle all outstanding entitlements and allowances owed to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who were previously expelled. In return, the lawmakers pledged to withdraw any impeachment proceedings.

The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, had defected to the APC but continued to claim their seats, fueling months of political and legal disputes over their status.

Presidency insiders described the agreement as a turning point engineered by Tinubu to restore calm. But while the truce spares Fubara’s office, it leaves him stripped of significant authority.

“The deal comes at a steep cost for Fubara,” another source explained. “Wike is the main beneficiary. By controlling the local governments, he keeps his dominance over the state’s political structure.”

Observers note that Tinubu’s intervention underscores his determination to prevent instability in Rivers and ensure the ruling party remains unified ahead of the 2027 elections.