Rivers PDP Crisis Deepens as Factional Chairman Aligns with Wike, Declares Support for Tinubu's 2027 Bid

Factional Chairman Shifts Allegiance Amidst Deepening Crisis

The political landscape in Rivers State, Nigeria, has witnessed a significant shift as the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter deepened. Dr. Nname Ewor, identified as a factional caretaker chairman of the Rivers State PDP, publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027 and announced his alignment with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. This declaration, made around late December 2025 or early January 2026, marks a critical realignment in the state's turbulent political scene.

Accusations Against Governor Fubara and Political Deception

Dr. Ewor's announcement was accompanied by strong accusations against the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Ewor alleged that Governor Fubara had 'deceived' the state PDP by initially leading members to believe he could 'wrest political control' from Wike, only to later 'dump the party midway' for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025. This alleged betrayal, according to Ewor, left party members exposed amidst the ongoing political turmoil. He further claimed that Fubara had boasted that President Tinubu would compel both Wike and members of the State House of Assembly to support his administration and eventual re-election bid.

Roots of the Rivers State Political Turmoil

The current crisis is rooted in a prolonged rift between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which escalated within his first year in office. This disagreement notably led to the bombing of the Assembly complex and necessitated interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Multiple peace pacts were reportedly brokered by the President to resolve the conflict. While an earlier agreement was documented, a subsequent peace deal during a period of 'Emergency Rule' was not, leading to uncertainty among political stakeholders. Ewor, who was previously an ally of Governor Fubara and part of a faction opposed to Wike, has now shifted his allegiance, citing a 'discovery of the truth' regarding the state's political situation.

Demand for Transparency on Peace Agreements

In his public statements, Dr. Ewor emphasized the need for transparency, calling on Governor Fubara to publicly disclose the full details of the peace agreements brokered by President Tinubu. He asserted that the mandate held by the governor belongs to the people of Rivers State, and therefore, all agreements entered into on behalf of the state, particularly those affecting governance, peace, and stability, should be made public. This demand underscores the deep divisions and mistrust that continue to plague the political landscape of Rivers State, as various factions vie for influence and control ahead of future elections.