The political turmoil in Rivers State has escalated, with stakeholders publicly rallying behind the two main contenders, signaling a consolidation of strength ahead of the 2027 elections, reports Daily Trust on Sunday.
The protracted crisis, which defied previous interventions, has seen Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, engaging in covert maneuvers to solidify their positions in what analysts believe is a prelude to the 2027 electoral showdown.
Fubara, eyeing a second term, aims to demonstrate his independence from political godfathers, while Wike seeks to thwart his former protege’s reelection bid.
Boosting War Chests with Federal Might
Wike has been proactive in consolidating his grip on the state’s political landscape, asserting control over both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership. Notably, he orchestrated the appointment of his allies to key federal positions, bolstering his arsenal for the 2027 contest.
Meanwhile, Fubara has been strategically recruiting defectors from Wike’s camp, aiming to weaken the Minister’s grassroots support base critical for victory in the state’s gubernatorial race.
Recent endorsements by prominent PDP figures, including former national chairman Uche Secondus, in support of Fubara underscore the intensifying battle for control within the party.
Wike vs. Fubara: A War of Words
Both Wike and Fubara have engaged in verbal sparring, with Wike dismissing Fubara’s backers and urging supporters to remain steadfast. In response, Fubara emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, contrasting himself with Wike’s confrontational style.
Biokpomabo Awara, the 2019 AAC gubernatorial candidate, likened the feud to karmic retribution, urging Wike to prioritize state interests over personal vendettas to resolve the impasse.
As tensions simmer, Rivers State braces for a protracted political showdown, with both sides vying for supremacy amidst uncertainty over the state’s future direction.
