Tinubu’s Deep Ties Ensure Wike’s Advantage in Rivers State

A legal expert has suggested that President Bola Tinubu will consistently side with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in the ongoing political conflict in Rivers State, a dynamic he linked to a deep personal and political alliance between the two leaders.

Festus Ogwuche, a legal practitioner, made the assertion during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme. He specifically criticised the recent defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the governor miscalculated by not fully appreciating the president’s relationship with Wike, a former governor of the state.

According to Ogwuche, Governor Fubara’s move to the APC was made without a proper understanding of the political landscape. “Wike and Tinubu’s relationship goes beyond a godfather-godson relationship. It is deeper into certain undercurrents that we cannot fathom, and the president will always place Wike at an advantage in this crisis,” Ogwuche stated.

The current political tension in Rivers State represents a significant rift within the state’s governing structure. Governor Fubara, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC earlier this year. His departure followed a period of growing public disagreement with his predecessor, Minister Wike, who remains a powerful figure within the national ruling party and the administration of President Tinubu.

Minister Wike’s influence is multifaceted. As FCT Minister, he holds a key Cabinet position, and within the APC, he is credited with delivering significant votes from the South-South geopolitical zone during the 2023 presidential election. His enduring support for President Tinubu is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the administration’s regional strategy.

Ogwuche’s commentary highlights the perceived imbalance of power, suggesting that Governor Fubara’s attempt to align with the president’s party may not shield him from Wike’s political sway. The analyst implied that the president’s allegiance to Wike could complicate any federal intervention or support for Fubara’s administration amid the standoff.

The situation underscores the complex interplay of personal alliances and party politics in Nigeria’s federal system. For Rivers State, a major oil-producing region, the prolonged political discord raises questions about governance continuity and development priorities. Observers note that the resolution of the crisis may hinge not on institutional mechanisms but on the personal dynamics between the president, his minister, and the state governor.

Analysts will be watching for further signs of how President Tinubu manages the competing loyalties, and whether his administration will pursue a course that openly supports Wike’s position or seeks to mediate a balance. The outcome could set a precedent for how federal power is exercised in managing intra-party conflicts in key states.