Senator Ayodele Arise, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has expressed confidence that the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu will not negatively impact his party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday. He emphasized that the President’s intervention was necessary to prevent Rivers State from descending into chaos, citing the escalated political tensions and violent incidents that had threatened vital infrastructure prior to the emergency rule.
The former lawmaker acknowledged that the situation in Rivers State had been critical, requiring swift action to restore order and safeguard critical national assets, including the oil and gas sector. He noted that Rivers State remains a strategic component of Nigeria’s economy, and maintaining peace in the state is essential for the nation’s economic stability.
Regarding the potential political implications of the emergency rule, Arise dismissed suggestions that the decision would cost President Tinubu support in Rivers State. Instead, he highlighted the APC’s strengthened grassroots structures, referencing the party’s performance in the 2024 presidential election and recent local government polls.
Arise also emphasized the roles that Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, must play in ensuring peace and stability in the state. He acknowledged their influence in shaping grassroots politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
The emergency rule, which lasted six months, was proclaimed by President Tinubu, resulting in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly. A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), was appointed as sole administrator to oversee the state during this period. At the end of the six months, the suspension was lifted, and all elected officials were reinstated.
The lifting of the suspension marks a significant development in Rivers State’s political landscape, with the reinstatement of elected officials expected to pave the way for renewed political activity in the state. As the country looks ahead to the 2027 elections, the APC’s ability to maintain support in Rivers State will be closely watched, with the party’s grassroots structures and the roles of key figures like Governor Fubara and Minister Wike likely to play important roles in shaping the outcome.
