Fubara’s 2027 Ambition Crashes as Wike Camp Tightens Grip on Rivers APC Politics

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future has suffered a major setback after he and several of his loyalists failed to secure tickets ahead of the 2027 elections, deepening the power struggle in Rivers State politics.

While governors across the country secured return tickets from the ruling All Progressives Congress, Fubara emerged as one of the biggest casualties of the party’s primary elections. The Rivers governor reportedly withdrew from the governorship race after realising that his chances within the party had collapsed.

The political battle in Rivers has continued to tilt heavily in favour of the camp loyal to Nyesom Wike, whose allies dominated the APC structure in the state. Fubara’s supporters seeking various elective positions were also reportedly disqualified during the process.

Fubara had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in what many observers believed was an attempt to ease political tensions and secure his future. However, the move failed to deliver the protection many expected.

Speaking on the governor’s withdrawal, Wike claimed there was already an agreement preventing Fubara from contesting for a second term. According to him, the understanding was that impeachment moves against the governor would be dropped if he stayed away from the governorship race.

“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped while he should also not talk about second tenure,” Wike said.

Political activist Kingdom Okere Idam described the development as a humiliation for Fubara, arguing that many APC governors were handed automatic tickets while the Rivers governor was singled out.

According to him, the situation raises questions about fairness within the ruling party, especially as several governors reportedly secured uncontested paths to re-election despite worsening economic conditions across the country.

Idam also warned that Fubara risks political irrelevance after leaving office, insisting that the governor failed to establish landmark projects or programmes capable of sustaining public support beyond his administration.

He further expressed fears that the governor could face pressure from anti-graft agencies once he exits office, alleging that political enemies may attempt to weaken him further after power changes hands.

Despite the growing uncertainty around Fubara’s political career, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, believes the governor still has a path back to relevance.

Sani argued that political fortunes can change quickly in Nigeria, noting that today’s powerful figures can easily lose influence while previously sidelined politicians often stage dramatic comebacks.

The crisis surrounding Fubara has become one of the biggest political talking points ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as Rivers remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political states.