2027 Power War: Ijaw nation fractures as Wike vows to stop Fubara’s second term in Rivers

The political crisis rocking Rivers State has taken a sharper ethnic and strategic dimension, with the Ijaw nation now openly split between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political godfather, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as both camps dig in ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The deepening fault lines became more pronounced at the weekend after the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide formally endorsed Fubara for a second term, even as the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress publicly withdrew support for the governor and declared loyalty to Wike, intensifying the high-stakes battle for control of the oil-rich state.

Fubara’s endorsement by the IYC comes against the backdrop of his dramatic defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 9, following more than a year of bitter confrontation with Wike over party structures and political supremacy in Rivers State. Several lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier defected to the APC, reinforcing the realignment and positioning Fubara as the face of the ruling party in the state.

In a statement, IYC President, Theophilus Alaye, said the council’s decision followed extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation and a sober assessment of the state’s political direction. He described Fubara as a symbol of stability and restraint, noting that despite sustained pressure and interference, the governor has remained focused on governance.

According to the IYC, Fubara’s administration has continued to pursue a people-centred agenda, including infrastructure renewal, urban development, youth empowerment, job creation, reforms in education and healthcare, and the promotion of peace, inclusion and transparency.

“The patience of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness,” the council warned, stressing that it does not recognise any political arrangements promoted by Wike or his allies that seek to undermine the constitutional authority of the Rivers governor.

Alaye said the council was offering Fubara “total, unwavering and unequivocal” support for a second term in 2027, adding that respect for the will of Rivers people and non-interference in the state’s affairs would be critical if the Federal Government and the APC hope to earn the support of the Ijaw nation.

But the show of solidarity from the IYC was swiftly countered in Okrika Local Government Area, where the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress announced its withdrawal of support for Fubara during a “thank you” visit by Wike.

Declaring the group’s new allegiance, chairman of the congress, Senator George Sekibo, described the rift between Fubara and Wike as “very unfortunate” but insisted that the Ijaw people could not turn their backs on Wike, whom he credited with playing a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor.

“That is why we abandoned him and said we will follow you,” Sekibo told Wike. “You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do.”

Sekibo also reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, pledging that the Ijaw people would stand firmly with Wike in the political battles ahead.

Other leaders at the event echoed similar sentiments. Okrika council chairman, Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his political godfather and praised his role in securing elective positions and appointments for Okrika indigenes. Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, speaking for Okrika women, hailed Wike’s record of supporting women and prayed for his continued success.

Responding, Wike thanked the community for standing by him and President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who keeps his promises. He urged the people to continue supporting leaders with integrity and proven character.

In recent days, Wike has repeatedly attacked Fubara, accusing the governor of betraying political agreements and insisting that he no longer enjoys the backing of Rivers people. The former governor has gone further to declare that Fubara will not secure a second term in 2027, warning that if the governor does return, it would signal the end of his own political career.

During the visit, Wike also paid a courtesy call on the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, praising him for promoting unity while hinting that critical decisions had already been taken regarding the 2027 elections. He urged the monarch to refrain from direct involvement in partisan politics but to offer guidance where necessary.