Fubara to Complete Tenure — But Drops 2027 Re-election Under Tinubu’s Deal
President Bola Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers state — but only on the condition that he will not seek re-election in 2027, TheCable has exclusively learned.
The agreement, struck during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night, is part of a broader plan to restore political stability in the oil-rich state. In attendance were Fubara, Nyesom Wike (minister of the FCT), Martin Amaewhule (suspended speaker), and select lawmakers.
“The arrangement is clear: no second term, no local government control, and peace will return,” a source said.
Fubara, who had been suspended by Tinubu in March amid a deepening political crisis, is set to resume office in September. However, he agreed to step down from the 2027 race as part of the settlement.
Another source described the deal as “a steep cost for Fubara”, adding, “The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm.”
Key concessions include allowing Wike to nominate chairpersons for all 23 local government areas, re-establishing his grassroots dominance. “Wike is the real winner here. By controlling the local government chairmen, he retains significant influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial for 2027,” a presidency source said.
Fubara also committed to paying all outstanding allowances to 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in exchange for a halt to impeachment proceedings.
The truce marks a major shift in Tinubu’s earlier approach, which had seen the suspension of both the governor and key state officials.
