Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared support for President Bola Tinubu and the political coalition led by former governor and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fubara described the prolonged political conflict in Rivers State as over and urged his supporters to back candidates presented by the Rainbow Coalition.
He made the declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and equipping of the Riven Medical Facility, a public-private pharmaceutical project in Rivers State.
Fubara Calls for an End to Political Divisions
The governor said he had fully returned to the political family supporting Tinubu and the Rainbow Coalition.
“The time of war is over; it is now time for peace,” Fubara said, adding that his supporters should back the coalition’s presidential, governorship and other candidates.
His declaration represents a major change in the political relationship between him and Wike after years of disagreement over the control of Rivers State’s political structure.
The conflict affected relations between the executive and legislature, created lengthy court battles and slowed governance and investment decisions in the state.
Fubara said he would no longer participate in any political activity capable of creating fresh divisions in Rivers.
What Is Wike’s Rainbow Coalition?
The Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party political alliance associated with Wike. It brings together politicians from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and other political parties in Rivers State.
The coalition has already agreed to support Tinubu’s expected re-election campaign in 2027. However, it has not publicly confirmed its preferred candidate for the Rivers governorship election.
Wike previously said the coalition’s leaders would collectively decide who succeeds Fubara rather than allowing one individual to select the candidate.
Fubara’s endorsement now strengthens the coalition by bringing his remaining supporters into the political structure.
What Fubara’s Decision Means for Rivers Politics
The declaration could reduce uncertainty surrounding the governor’s political position ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also suggests that Fubara will not support a rival governorship candidate against the coalition backed by Wike.
However, the agreement does not automatically resolve every political disagreement in the state. Other groups are discussing alternative alliances aimed at challenging Wike’s political influence during the elections.
The coalition must also decide how it will distribute elective positions among politicians from different parties without creating fresh internal disputes.
For Rivers residents, the main concern will be whether the political settlement allows the government to return its attention to infrastructure, employment, security and economic development.
Why This Matters
Political instability carries a direct economic cost.
Prolonged disputes can delay government approvals, disrupt infrastructure projects and discourage private investors from committing long-term capital.
Businesses operating in Rivers State need predictable policies, functioning institutions and political stability to make investment and expansion decisions.
Fubara’s declaration could therefore improve investor confidence if it produces a genuine and lasting political settlement.
The pharmaceutical factory also offers Rivers State an opportunity to reduce its dependence on oil by supporting manufacturing and healthcare production.
However, residents will judge the new political peace by its results.
The real test is not whether Fubara and Wike now belong to the same coalition. It is whether their agreement produces better governance, completed projects, new jobs and a more stable business environment.
