According to a report by Daily Sun on Thursday, May 28, 2026, A senior research expert at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Femi Otubanjo, has expressed concern over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otubanjo, who serves as the Director of Research at the institute, made the remarks during an interview on ARISE NEWS, where he analysed the political tensions surrounding Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the growing divisions within the state’s political structure.
According to him, the unfolding events in Rivers State have exposed deep cracks within the political establishment and raised questions about the future of the APC’s influence in the South-South region.
He argued that the manner in which Governor Fubara has been treated in the political dispute reflects an extraordinary struggle for control and influence in Nigerian politics.“The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated,” Otubanjo said.
Otubanjo also took aim at former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alleging that the former governor was pursuing personal political interests rather than advancing the collective goals of the APC.
According to him, the continued marginalisation of Governor Fubara could negatively affect the ruling party’s popularity among voters in Rivers State and potentially weaken President Tinubu’s support base across the South-South geopolitical zone.
He warned that political loyalty in the region should not be taken for granted, especially in a climate where many residents are closely monitoring how influential leaders and elected officials are being treated.
Otubanjo further expressed worries about the state of internal democracy within political parties, particularly in Rivers State. He claimed that control over candidate selection and party structures had gradually shifted away from established democratic processes and into the hands of a few influential individuals.
He cautioned that if the Rivers crisis is not handled carefully, the APC could face significant political setbacks in future elections, especially as preparations and alignments ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum.
