Rivers State Power Play: Full Conditions of President Tinubu’s Deal with Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara
In a dramatic turn in Rivers State’s protracted political saga, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reportedly reached a private agreement with President Bola Tinubu to secure his reinstatement.
The deal, brokered during a discreet meeting in London last week, lays out a series of non-negotiable conditions that Fubara must meet before resuming full gubernatorial duties. Below is the comprehensive list of terms as disclosed by a source close to the negotiations:
1. Immediate Defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
As the cornerstone of the agreement, Governor Fubara is required to formally resign his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the APC. This move is designed to consolidate federal and state alignment, ensuring smoother collaboration on infrastructure, security, and social programmes once Fubara returns to office.
2. Waiver of Impeachment Proceedings
In recognition of Fubara’s cooperation, the President has guaranteed that no impeachment or legislative removal attempts will be initiated against him. This immunity clause covers all actions related to the March 18, 2025, state of emergency and any subsequent political disputes, allowing Fubara to complete his current term without fear of ouster.
Pay Attention To: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ifeanyi Okowa, Others Dump PDP for APC
3. Commitment Not to Seek Re-Election in 2027
To pave the way for new leadership and quell factional tensions within Rivers State, Fubara must publicly declare and legally bind himself to forgo any bid for a second term in the 2027 gubernatorial election. This concession aims to appease aggrieved stakeholders on both sides and prevent future power struggles.
Background: From State of Emergency to London Summit
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara’s executive powers and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator. The drastic measure—cited as necessary to restore order amid legislative gridlock—deepened an already fraught relationship between Fubara and the national leadership of the PDP.
Sources indicate that, in the wake of the suspension, Fubara personally requested a meeting with President Tinubu to negotiate his return. The two met in London shortly after Tinubu’s visit to Paris for diplomatic engagements—a trip that concluded without public acknowledgment of the subsequent talks in the British capital.
Strategic Calculus: Federal-State Harmony
Political analysts view the agreement as a calculated effort by the Tinubu administration to neutralize unrest in a geopolitically critical state. Rivers State, as Nigeria’s oil hub, has long been a focal point for revenue allocation debates and security concerns. By securing Fubara’s loyalty to the APC—and extracting concessions on term limits and political immunity—the presidency is seeking to stabilize the region and pre-empt further disruptions to oil production and investment.
For Fubara, the deal represents a lifeline out of political limbo. Acceptance of these conditions affords him the opportunity to finish his tenure with full executive authority restored, implement key development projects, and protect his political legacy from the taint of legislative warfare.
Reactions within Rivers State and Beyond
APC Praises “Wise Compromise”
Upon learning the details of the arrangement, APC leaders hailed it as a “responsible and forward-looking resolution.” A senior APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the deal as “a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to political stability and inclusive governance.”
PDP Stung, Seeks Damage Control
Conversely, the PDP national secretariat has expressed deep disappointment. Party insiders in Port Harcourt report emergency consultations aimed at shoring up support among local chapters and preventing a broader exodus of PDP stakeholders. The loss of an incumbent governor to the opposition underscores the party’s struggle to maintain cohesion in its southern strongholds.
Donald Trump Pencils 3,690 Nigerians for Deportation Amid Immigration Crackdown
Civil Society and Investor Confidence
Civil society organisations have offered guarded optimism, noting that the removal of the political deadlock could expedite stalled infrastructure projects—particularly the long-awaited Port Harcourt road expansions and urban renewal schemes. Similarly, energy sector investors, who have hesitated amid security concerns, are monitoring the situation closely as a barometer for future capital deployment in the Niger Delta.
Implications for the 2027 General Elections
The requirement that Fubara abstain from the 2027 gubernatorial race opens the field for fresh contenders, likely reshaping Rivers State’s political dynamics. With the APC solidifying its foothold through presidential patronage, aspirants aligned with Tinubu’s vision may jockey for the APC ticket, while the PDP grapples with rebuilding trust and selecting a credible standard-bearer.
At the national level, Rivers State’s delegate block—once firmly in PDP hands—now becomes a critical asset for the APC as it strategises for both presidential and legislative contests. The realignment could influence Vice-Presidential ticket calculations and coalition negotiations in the months ahead.
Looking Ahead: Road to Reinstatement
While the London meeting reportedly sealed the broad contours of the agreement, legal and procedural formalities remain. Fubara must:
- Submit an official letter of resignation from the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- Complete APC membership registration and secure a certificate of defection.
- File a public affidavit affirming his commitment not to seek re-election in 2027.
- Coordinate with the National Assembly to lift any legal impediments arising from the state of emergency proclamation.
Once these steps are fulfilled, President Tinubu is expected to issue a formal proclamation lifting the state of emergency, reinstating Fubara as the democratically elected governor.
TJ News Nigeria understands that as Rivers State stands on the cusp of a new political chapter, all eyes are on Rivers State and Abuja to see whether this high-stakes bargain will indeed restore governance stability or sow the seeds for future contention. Stakeholders across the Niger Delta will be watching closely, hopeful that the resumed administration can pivot swiftly to development priorities and leave behind the turbulence of the past months.
