Tinubu Gains Control in Rivers State Power Struggle

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of playing a central role in the political crisis between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. CUPP argues that the turmoil in Rivers State is not accidental but a deliberate manipulation designed as a political sacrifice to President Tinubu. The coalition says two prominent figures, motivated by the pursuit of patronage and fearing irrelevance, have abandoned responsible leadership and entered a shameful rivalry to win the president’s favor. This conflict, they claim, has torched the collective destiny of millions in Rivers State, leaving ordinary citizens as the ultimate sufferers.

The opposition notes that the crisis has prompted multiple interventions, including a state of emergency and peace accords brokered by the Presidency, which have ultimately consolidated federal control over Rivers State politics. CUPP’s National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh, stated that President Tinubu is the winner in the battle between Wike and Fubara, with both leaders now firmly under the influence of the Presidency. The resolution of the impasse, according to Ameh, has effectively ended any semblance of independent political maneuvering in the oil‑rich state.

Chief Ameh lamented that the real losers are the people of Rivers State, who endure disrupted governance, erosion of democratic institutions, and the diversion of resources from critical development needs to endless political intrigues. CUPP has called on Rivers State residents to remain vigilant and demand responsible leadership, urging a return to issue‑based politics that prioritizes citizens’ welfare over personal ambitions. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy and the rule of law across Nigeria, warning that unchecked federal overreach in state matters sets a dangerous precedent for the nation’s federalism.

The situation in Rivers State carries significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the concentration of power at the federal level. As the crisis unfolds, it remains to be seen how the people of Rivers State will respond to CUPP’s call for responsible leadership and a return to issue‑based politics.