A fresh wave of political uncertainty has emerged in Rivers State following the decision of the State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The move, based on allegations of gross misconduct, has reopened deep political divisions in the state and intensified the long-running power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The development has sparked widespread concern across the country, with civil society groups, legal bodies and political stakeholders warning that the crisis could undermine democratic governance and further destabilise the oil-rich state.

Background to the Rivers Political Crisis

The current crisis is the result of a breakdown in the political relationship between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, who played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike’s political structure was instrumental in securing the election victory, and his camp expected continued influence over the affairs of government.

Tensions surfaced soon after Fubara assumed office, as he began asserting independence in governance.

The disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown institutional conflict, leading to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly, largely along loyalty lines.

By late 2023, impeachment threats became frequent, and the crisis reached a dramatic point when the assembly complex was set ablaze during the height of the standoff.

Although President Bola Tinubu intervened to broker peace, the truce was short-lived.

In March 2025, the situation deteriorated to the point that a six-month state of emergency was declared, suspending democratic institutions and placing the state under a sole administrator until September 2025.

The political landscape shifted again in late 2025 when Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), effectively transforming the dispute from an internal PDP struggle into a national political issue within the ruling party.

The immediate trigger for the latest confrontation was disagreement over state finances.

Lawmakers aligned with Wike proposed a supplementary appropriation to revise the ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget approved during emergency rule.

Governor Fubara rejected the proposal, insisting the budget was sufficient, and declined to present the 2026 budget, accusing the assembly of deliberate obstruction.

The lawmakers responded by accusing the governor of constitutional breaches, including failure to submit key fiscal documents and alleged unauthorized spending.

Wike’s Local Government Tours: What Changed?

The crisis took a sharper turn following Nyesom Wike’s recent “Thank You” tour across Rivers State’s local government areas.

The tour, which ended on January 11, 2026, at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, was officially described as an appreciation of political support during the 2023 elections.

However, political observers say the tour served as a rallying point for Wike’s supporters and a show of strength. During the events, Wike dismissed speculation about his removal as FCT minister, stating that only President Tinubu had the authority to sack him.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president and pledged full support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing federal appointments given to Rivers indigenes as evidence of political reward.

Wike also used the platform to make political statements against opposition figures and to reassert his influence in Rivers politics.

Following the tour, pro-Wike lawmakers in the state assembly appeared emboldened, with impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara gaining momentum.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, publicly aligned himself with Wike and President Tinubu, reinforcing perceptions that the assembly is deeply divided along factional lines.

The situation was further inflamed by Fubara’s decision to remove several officials seen as loyal to Wike from his cabinet.

Rivers Assembly’s Allegation

On January 8, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

The motion, moved by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, called for an investigation into alleged financial and administrative misconduct.

Notices of gross misconduct were served on both officials on January 9, giving them seven days to respond, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The allegations include failure to present the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework, refusal to submit budget proposals, and alleged unauthorized expenditure of public funds.

The assembly also claimed it had intelligence reports suggesting attempts to frustrate the impeachment process through court orders obtained outside the state. Lawmakers insisted they would proceed strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The process has, however, drawn sharp criticism. The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum described the allegations as weak and politically motivated, while civil rights groups warned that the tension could distort due process.

The Nigerian Law Society called on President Tinubu to intervene by invoking constitutional provisions that would allow the National Assembly to assume the functions of the state assembly, citing concerns about bias and lack of neutrality.

What This Means for Governor Fubara

For Governor Fubara, the impeachment move represents a serious political threat with far-reaching consequences.

His first public response was measured, as he appealed for calm during a church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, assuring residents that the situation was under control. Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu also urged prayers and restraint.

Under the constitution, impeachment requires a two-thirds majority of the House, the appointment of a seven-member investigative panel by the chief judge, and adherence to due process.

While Wike-aligned lawmakers appear to have numerical advantage, political analysts note that Fubara’s incumbency, party backing at the federal level, and grassroots support could complicate the process.

Beyond politics, the crisis is already affecting governance and the economy. Government projects have slowed, contractors face delays, and uncertainty continues to affect business confidence.

There are also fears that a prolonged standoff could lead to another emergency rule, with significant economic costs for the state.

At the national level, President Tinubu faces a difficult choice: balancing loyalty to a powerful ally in Wike against the political cost of losing an APC governor ahead of the 2027 elections.

As the situation unfolds, Rivers State once again finds itself caught in a familiar political struggle where elite rivalries threaten governance and stability.

Whether Governor Fubara survives the impeachment process remains uncertain, but the coming days are likely to be decisive for the state’s political future.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the 2027 General Election will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and technology-driven manner, stressing that the Commission will not condone any form of misconduct in the electoral process.

Speaking in Lagos at the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat, held from January 9 to 10, Amupitan said INEC was positioning itself to meet the demands of a fast-changing electoral environment and the rising expectations of Nigerians.

“We gather here today not merely as electoral administrators and leaders, but as the custodians of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This retreat serves as a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving electoral landscape,” he said.

He commended INEC staff for their conduct during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a significant milestone at the start of his tenure.

Amupitan explained that preparations for the 2027 General Election would include key electoral activities such as the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness. They offer us the chance to refine our processes… ensuring that every technical and logistical gear is perfectly oiled before the grand national exercise of 2027,” he said.

The INEC chairman identified five core principles that would remain central to the Commission’s operations: free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process… and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location,” he said.

He drew attention to the growing influence of first-time voters in 2027, noting that young Nigerians would insist on openness and instant transparency.

“Millions of young citizens will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. These are digital natives who demand transparency in real time and have little patience for opacity. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted,” he said.

On the legal framework guiding elections, Amupitan emphasised unwavering compliance with the law, declaring, “Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”

He disclosed that discussions at the retreat would cover 17 critical thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc personnel, transportation, voter registration, election security and political party administration.

“We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation exercises are beyond reproach. We will discuss election security… and how to enforce internal democracy and transparency in party finances,” he stressed.

According to Amupitan, INEC now has a rare opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s electoral history by setting bold objectives for 2027.

“The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history. Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa — a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values,” he declared.

He cautioned that violations of the Commission’s principles would not go unpunished.

“I reaffirm my commitment to your welfare, but I must also reiterate that any compromise on our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.
“Let us use this retreat to break down silos, foster open communication, volunteer constructive feedback and emerge as a united front,” the INEC chairman said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants and described the retreat as an important step in the Commission’s ongoing development.

He said the programme was aimed at building leadership capacity and improving operational readiness, noting that public expectations of the electoral process were “higher than ever” and urging officials to meet those expectations.

Salami added that the retreat would enhance institutional knowledge and encourage peer interaction, providing an opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of ideas to strengthen INEC as a unified institution.

“As we advance towards the 2027 General Election, the importance of early planning, strategic coordination and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated,” Salami said.

The Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, stated that he never expressed interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.

Datti made the remarks on Friday during an interview, explaining that he only emphasized that he remains a member of the LP.

“I never declared to contest the presidency even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I simply reiterated my membership of the Labour Party,” he said.

“That is all and in the submissions I made, I clearly stated that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest.”

He criticized social media users who spread sensational stories, accusing them of creating false narratives to manipulate emotional listeners.

His statement follows news of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, aligning with the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” Obi said at an event in Enugu, where he and some South-East leaders formally declared for the ADC.

Datti and Obi ran on a joint ticket in that election, but Datti has remained with the LP, asserting that the party is strong enough to vie for Nigeria’s highest office.

The Kaduna-born politician added that Obi’s decision to join the coalition does not affect his relationship with the former Anambra State governor.

“I also said if Peter Obi does not get the ticket there in ADC, he is more than welcome back to the Labour Party. I will stand there and nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi. It is better for him to come back than for him to do another type of agenda,” Datti stated.

He further urged Obi to submit his resignation letter and membership card to the LP, emphasizing that he “never heard him say defecting to ADC. I did not hear that, maybe I missed it but please find out if he said joining the coalition or joining the ADC.”