By John Umeh
With the Rivers State local government elections fast approaching, political tensions have deepened as loyalists of former governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, intensify mobilization efforts across the state. Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp appears unsettled, facing uncertainties over candidate selection and grassroots support.
Wike’s Political Resurgence
Wike, widely regarded as the architect of Rivers State’s political landscape over the past decade, has reportedly reactivated his formidable network of allies across the 23 local government areas. Party insiders reveal that his loyalists are not only strategizing to dominate the polls but also working to consolidate the state’s political structure in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interests.
“Wike is determined to show that his political machinery is still intact. His men are already on the ground, mobilizing in every ward,” a source within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed.
Fubara’s Camp in Disarray
In contrast, the camp of Governor Fubara, who has been locked in a prolonged power tussle with his predecessor, is reportedly grappling with internal divisions. Sources close to the government suggest that disagreements over candidate imposition, loyalty tests, and strategy have left the governor’s allies “in the dark.”
Some political observers believe this uncertainty could weaken Fubara’s chances of asserting firm control at the grassroots level, a critical battleground in Rivers politics.
Stakes Beyond the LG Polls
Analysts note that the Rivers LG elections are more than just a contest for local councils. They represent a broader struggle between Wike and Fubara for the soul of the state’s political structure, which could determine Rivers’ direction in the 2027 general elections.
For Tinubu, the outcome could also shape his administration’s relationship with the South-South region, where Rivers remains one of the most influential states both politically and economically.
Uncertain Road Ahead
As campaigns intensify, both camps are expected to flex their political muscles in the coming weeks. While Wike’s men appear more coordinated, Governor Fubara still wields the power of incumbency, which could prove decisive if strategically deployed.
“The governor cannot afford to be passive. If he fails to secure control of the local government structures, he risks being politically sidelined ahead of 2027,” warned a Port Harcourt-based political analyst.
With the stakes high and the political battlefield tense, all eyes are on Rivers State as it heads into what promises to be a fiercely contested local government election showdown
