Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — A significant political development emerged this week in Nigeria’s oil‑rich Rivers State as Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor and influential elder in the region, publicly reaffirmed his support for the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, portraying him as the legitimate political leader and rallying point for unity in the state’s fractious political landscape. The endorsement comes against the backdrop of persistent internal divisions within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prolonged conflict between key political elites in Rivers State.
Dr. Odili, who governed Rivers State from 1999 to 2007 and remains a respected figure among many political constituencies, delivered his remarks during a high‑profile event held in his native Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. At the inauguration of a new healthcare facility built by his family in partnership with the state government, Odili declared Fubara not only as the political leader of Rivers State but also urged unwavering backing for the governor’s administration and its strategic alignment with the federal government.
In a statement that carried both gravitas and political symbolism, Odili told Governor Fubara, “Thanks for standing up to defend the interest of all Rivers people.” He emphasised that Rivers residents have voiced broad support for Fubara’s leadership, instructing Odili to convey that “where you go, they will go with you.” The former governor further stressed the importance of aligning with positive national policies, particularly under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, to ensure Rivers remains integrated with Nigeria’s broader development agenda.
The endorsement has been framed by analysts as a strategic attempt to consolidate political authority around Fubara amid ongoing tensions with Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s former political benefactor. The discord between Wike and Fubara has dominated the state’s political narrative for more than a year. The rupture began after the two men, once allies, clashed over control of the state machinery soon after Fubara assumed office in 2023, culminating in a bitter struggle that has seen impeachment attempts, defections in the State Assembly, and intense rivalry for PDP control.
Governor Fubara, who succeeded Wike as the PDP gubernatorial candidate and later as governor, has consistently maintained that his administration prioritises the welfare of Rivers people and governance over internal party quarrels. At the same ceremony where Odili offered his endorsement, Fubara lauded his supporters, stating that the strength of his governance is drawn from the people of Rivers State themselves. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the political crisis but affirmed their conviction that their course was just, and that support from respected leaders like Odili underscores the administration’s legitimacy.
In response to Odili’s comments, Fubara described Odili as a leader of integrity whose backing holds significant weight in the state’s political discourse. At another gathering in Port Harcourt, he articulated that the presence and support of figures like Odili have unsettled critics and opponents, whom he suggested lack similar credibility. Fubara maintained that principled leadership and alignment with core state interests transcend individual political disputes.
The Rivers State political landscape has been volatile since October 2023, when fissures deepened between Fubara and the Wike faction within the PDP. The uneasy alliance that once existed culminated in a peace agreement brokered at the national level, in which Odili played a role, but that deal quickly fell apart amid mutual recriminations and accusations of bad faith. Wike accused Odili of encouraging Fubara to defy national leadership, a claim Odili rejected, accusing Wike of pursuing self‑interest at the expense of broader state welfare.
Rivers political stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to Odili’s intervention. Some elder statesmen and interest groups have called for restraint and dialogue, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could exacerbate existing tensions and destabilise local governance. Meanwhile, vocal supporters of Fubara view Odili’s backing as a defining moment that could tilt the balance of political influence back in favour of the governor’s camp, particularly ahead of future electoral contests.
Experts on Nigerian politics say the public endorsement of Governor Fubara by Odili carries both symbolic and tactical significance. Odili’s stature as a former governor and elder statesman gives weight to his pronouncements, and his overt support reinforces Fubara’s positioning as an independent leader capable of sustaining governance without defaulting to factional power brokers. This could be strategically important for Fubara as he navigates alliances within the PDP and broader political terrain leading up to the next general elections, including potential negotiations with national leadership and influential stakeholders in the region.
The broader national context also plays into the dynamics in Rivers State. President Tinubu’s administration has been seen by some analysts as a pivot around which state leaders are realigning, seeking to harness federal support for development projects and political cooperation. Odili’s remarks urging alignment with Tinubu’s positive policies suggest an attempt to bridge local political objectives with national priorities, reinforcing the governor’s relevance on both state and federal stages.
However, tensions remain palpable. Wike’s camp continues to voice outspoken criticism of Fubara, accusing him of betrayal and political defection without proper consultation. These criticisms underscore the deep sense of factionalism that characterises Rivers State politics and reflects broader debates within Nigeria’s ruling party about loyalty, influence and control.
The implications of Odili’s endorsement go beyond mere political symbolism. Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most economically significant regions due to its vast oil and gas resources, has long been a battleground for political influence. The state’s governance stability is critical not just for its residents but also for national economic interests. Consolidating political cohesion around Fubara could pave the way for more focused governance and policy implementation, but only if reconciliation efforts across divergent factions gain traction.
As Rivers State continues its journey through political wrangling, the public show of unity by Dr. Peter Odili behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara may signal a recalibration of alliances and ambitions. Whether this translates into lasting stability and cooperative governance will depend on the capacity of political leaders to reconcile differences and prioritise the collective good of the people they serve.
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