Politics

Political Crossfire: Tinubu Again Drawn Into the Wike–Fubara Feud

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on January 10th, 2026.

Nigeria’s complex political landscape has once again placed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the center of a high-stakes power struggle in Rivers State, as tensions between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continue to escalate. What began as a local dispute has evolved into a national concern, drawing the presidency into a delicate balancing act with implications far beyond the state’s borders.

The Wike–Fubara feud is rooted in a fractured political succession. Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and a dominant political force in the state for nearly a decade, played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor. However, the alliance quickly unraveled after Fubara assumed office, as both men appeared to pursue divergent political interests. What followed was a breakdown of trust, open confrontation, and a battle for control over the state’s political machinery.

As the crisis deepened—manifesting in legislative standoffs, threats of impeachment, and institutional paralysis—President Tinubu found himself compelled to intervene. His involvement, while framed as an effort to stabilize governance and prevent a constitutional breakdown, has been interpreted in different ways by various political actors. Supporters argue that presidential intervention is necessary to preserve democratic order, while critics view it as federal overreach or tacit favoritism.

Tinubu’s position is particularly sensitive given his political ties. Wike, despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), played a controversial but strategic role in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential victory. That relationship has fueled speculation that the president may be inclined to protect Wike’s interests, even as Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor of Rivers State. Tinubu’s challenge, therefore, lies in maintaining neutrality while preventing the conflict from spiraling into chaos.

The presidency’s renewed involvement underscores a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the enduring influence of political godfathers and the fragility of internal party cohesion. Rivers State is not alone in experiencing such tensions, but its strategic importance—economically and politically—makes the feud especially consequential. Prolonged instability in the state risks undermining governance, deterring investment, and eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

For Governor Fubara, the struggle is about asserting autonomy and legitimacy. His supporters argue that he is attempting to break free from entrenched political control and govern independently. For Wike, the conflict appears to be about preserving relevance and influence in a state he once ruled with near-total authority. Between these competing ambitions stands President Tinubu, tasked with preventing the dispute from becoming a national distraction or a precedent for executive interference.

Ultimately, Tinubu’s re-entry into the Wike–Fubara feud reflects the interconnected nature of Nigerian politics, where local disputes often carry national consequences. How the president navigates this political crossfire will not only shape the future of Rivers State but also signal his administration’s approach to internal party conflicts, federalism, and democratic mediation.

As Nigerians watch closely, the outcome of this feud will serve as a test of political maturity—whether power struggles can be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means, or whether they will continue to pull the nation’s leadership into avoidable turmoil.