Fubara recognises Wike as Rivers political leader
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has asked his supporters to stop addressing him as their political leader, declaring that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, now leads their political bloc following their reconciliation.
Speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling of Rainbow Coalition candidates for the 2027 elections at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Fubara said the political disagreement between him and his predecessor had ended.
“We are now in one house. And because we have one house, there is no issue about who is the leader. I might be your oga (governor), but we have a common leader now,” he said.
Fubara urged supporters who stood by him during the political crisis to recognise Wike’s leadership, insisting that the reconciliation marked a new beginning for their political relationship.
The governor, who repeatedly described Wike as “my oga”, acknowledged the former governor’s role in his emergence as Rivers State governor in 2023.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR
HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI
HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY, YOUR EXCELLENCY! The Governing Council, Management, Staff and entire University Community of Adamawa State University, Mubi, heartily felicitate with Your Excellency on the joyous occasion of your 59th birthday. We celebrate your commitment to educational advancement and the development of Adamawa State. May Almighty God grant you sound health, divine wisdom, long life and greater accomplishments. Happy 59th Birthday, Your Excellency!
Professor Clement Augustine, Vice Chancellor, ADSU, Mubi
He said he had returned to his political family and would work towards President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the success of Rainbow Coalition candidates in 2027.
The coalition, established by Wike, brings together politicians from different parties supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Fubara’s reconciliation with Wike follows a prolonged political crisis that began in October 2023 over control of the state’s political structures.
The dispute triggered impeachment moves, divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly and several legal battles.
President Tinubu intervened in December 2023, but the disagreement persisted, culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025 and Fubara’s six-month suspension from office.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the coalition was intended to unite politicians across party lines rather than create further political divisions.
“I have said it, and let me reiterate that the Rainbow Coalition means no harm but to bring people of all the various political parties together to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Wike also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their political consistency.
He urged Peoples Democratic Party members across the country to support Tinubu’s re-election, while announcing that the president would visit Port Harcourt on 7 November for a campaign rally.
The coalition’s governorship candidate, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma rejected the establishment of a Rainbow Coalition in his state, insisting that the APC remained his preferred political platform.