The long-simmering political feud between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, erupted again on Tuesday, deepening divisions within the state’s political elite and casting fresh uncertainty over its fragile peace process.

Speaking during a thank you visit to Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike sharply criticised his former political ally and successor, accusing Fubara of publicly deriding him and failing to honour commitments allegedly made during reconciliation talks brokered by President Bola Tinubu. According to the minister, the latest comments attributed to the governor represent both ingratitude and a breach of trust.

The renewed exchange underscores how the rift, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, has moved beyond private disagreements into open political warfare, with implications for party cohesion, governance, and future electoral calculations in Rivers State.

Wike challenges Fubara over peace talks

Addressing supporters in his home state, Wike reacted angrily to reports that Fubara had referred to him as a “barking dog,” language the minister said was deeply disrespectful given his role in Fubara’s rise to power.

According to him, his political backing was decisive in securing Fubara’s emergence as governor, and he expressed regret over what he described as a costly misjudgment.

He also challenged Fubara to publicly disclose the details of a peace meeting held with President Tinubu, suggesting that the governor had failed to keep promises made during that engagement.

Wike insisted that while his camp remains firmly committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration, political decisions within Rivers State would not repeat past mistakes. He said lessons had been learned and corrective steps were underway.

According to reports, Wike also dismissed claims that individuals who previously worked against President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election could now deliver meaningful political value in Rivers State, arguing that loyalty and performance must go together.

Accusations of weak leadership

Beyond personal grievances, Wike questioned Fubara’s leadership capacity, alleging that the governor has struggled to maintain productive relationships with key political stakeholders.

He cited what he described as the governor’s inability to engage effectively with local government chairmen, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and federal lawmakers representing the state. In Wike’s view, such breakdowns reflect deeper governance challenges rather than mere political disagreements.

The minister also responded to criticism from unnamed former allies now aligned with Fubara, including remarks questioning his educational background. Wike countered by outlining his academic and professional credentials, including his legal training and status as a life bencher, while contrasting them with the records of his critics.

He argued that personal attacks often emerge when political opponents lack tangible achievements to present to the public.

Internal PDP realignment in Rivers

The event in Ogba Egbema Ndoni also became a platform for significant internal developments within the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.

Dr. Robinson Ewor, the factional PDP chairman aligned with Wike, announced the dissolution of his faction and its merger into a caretaker committee led by Aaron Chukwemeka, a structure backed by the FCT minister.

Ewor, who was previously associated with Fubara’s camp, said his decision was driven by a loss of confidence in the governor’s ability to honour agreements. He alleged that President Tinubu had intervened twice to mediate the Rivers political crisis, but claimed Fubara failed to uphold the terms reached.

According to Ewor, the unification of the party under one leadership was necessary to restore stability and direction, adding that the PDP in Rivers was no longer factionalised.

He also rejected claims by the governor that Wike was intimidating him or undermining his authority, stating that his own earlier belief in that narrative had proven incorrect.

Supporters praise Wike’s legacy

Former senator Wilson Aki used the occasion to commend Wike’s record as governor, pointing to infrastructure projects executed during his tenure. Aki said Rivers State experienced significant development under Wike, arguing that the former governor left visible legacies across several local government areas.

Wike, in turn, described Ogba Egbema Ndoni as a stronghold of his political base and stressed that his supporters were united in backing President Tinubu’s administration, regardless of party affiliations.

Background to a growing crisis

The political crisis in Rivers State has its roots in the breakdown of relations between Wike and Fubara shortly after the latter assumed office. Once seen as a loyal protégé, Fubara gradually distanced himself from Wike’s influence, triggering a power struggle that has split the state assembly, disrupted party structures, and drawn national attention.

President Tinubu’s repeated interventions reflect concerns at the federal level that prolonged instability in Rivers, a key oil-producing state, could have broader economic and security implications.

Political analysts note that the public escalation of rhetoric signals a shift from behind-the-scenes negotiations to open positioning ahead of future elections, including the 2027 cycle.

The latest confrontation matters because it suggests that reconciliation efforts have stalled, despite presidential involvement. A divided political leadership could hamper governance, delay policy implementation, and further polarise the electorate in Rivers State.

Observers also warn that internal party conflicts may weaken the PDP’s organisational strength in the state, even as Wike publicly aligns with the ruling All Progressives Congress at the federal level.

What happens next will depend on whether cooler heads prevail or whether the dispute hardens into permanent political realignment.

What to watch

Analysts say attention should focus on three areas: the response of Governor Fubara and his allies, the role of the Presidency in preventing further escalation, and the impact of PDP restructuring on grassroots mobilisation in Rivers.

There are also questions about how legislative and local government actors will align themselves as the political landscape continues to shift.

For now, the feud between Wike and Fubara remains unresolved, with both sides signalling that the battle for influence in Rivers State is far from over.