Rivers power struggle risks Tinubu's South South support

A political analyst has warned that the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State could significantly weaken President Bola Tinubu's support in the crucial South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections. The crisis centers on tensions between the state's current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Professor Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, described the situation as damaging and destabilizing. He argued that powerful actors appear to be pursuing personal agendas rather than a coordinated strategy serving broader electoral interests. Otubanjo stated that any move to sideline Governor Fubara could backfire politically, as it risks alienating the Ijaw ethnic bloc, a critical voting force in the state and region. He warned that such actions could undermine the ruling party's ability to win Rivers State and that dissatisfaction could spread across the South-South geopolitical zone.

The analyst further contended that influence over candidate selection in the state has shifted away from formal party structures, a development he described as politically risky. He emphasized that while political actors...