Rivers State Assembly Impeachment Notice to Fubara May Signal the Beginning of Wike’s Challenges with the Presidency
By Raphael Ekpang
The impeachment notice issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday, January 8, 2026, may have triggered fresh political tension in the already politically fragile state, with growing indications that the development may also mark the beginning of deeper complications for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his relationship with the Presidency. Some clergymen and commentators in 2025 cautioned Wike against having issues with the Presidency heading into the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the latest move by the State Assembly has pitched the FCT Minister against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because, whether by omission or commission, the Rivers Assembly is indirectly fighting the leadership of the APC, which is Tinubu, by trying to impeach one of its governors.
Political observers note that the latest move by the Assembly, widely perceived as aligned with forces loyal to the former governor, has escalated the protracted power struggle in Rivers State beyond local politics and into the national arena. The unfolding situation is believed to be placing the Presidency in a delicate position, as it navigates calls for political stability, constitutional order, and non-interference in subnational governance.
Analysts argue that while Wike remains a key political ally of the current administration, the intensifying crisis in Rivers State risks drawing unwanted national attention and could test the Presidency’s tolerance for prolonged intra-party and intra-governmental conflicts. There are concerns that continued instability may undermine governance in the oil-rich state and reflect poorly on the federal government’s commitment to democratic norms.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, on Thursday, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution. Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days. During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct levelled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Also, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has rejected the impeachment process initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, describing the move as “destabilising and unnecessary.” In a statement signed on Thursday by the party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC said it acknowledged the constitutional independence of the legislature but would not support what it termed a resort to impeachment against an APC-led government. “Our position as of today on this matter is that we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment process against our governor and his deputy,” the statement said.
The party cautioned lawmakers, particularly its members in the Assembly, against yielding to external pressure capable of plunging the state into political turmoil. “It will be totally untenable for our party to keep quiet when an obvious hangover from strife that occurred within the PDP is allowed to resurface in our great party,” Nwauju stated.
Addressing claims that the impeachment threat is linked to budgetary issues, the APC recalled that “during the period of emergency rule, a ₦1.485 trillion budget was transmitted to the National Assembly in May 2025 and approved by the Senate on 25 June and the House of Representatives on 22 July 2025.” According to the party, the budget is expected to run until August 2026. The APC noted that the governor may lawfully decide not to present a supplementary budget and reminded the Assembly that the Constitution allows a six-month spending window into a new fiscal year. “Let it be known that our party will do everything possible to ensure that the Government of Rivers State, which is an APC government, is not destabilised through fratricidal disagreements,” the statement added.
The impeachment notice has also raised questions about legislative independence and due process, prompting civil society groups and legal experts to call for restraint, dialogue, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. Many have urged all actors to prioritize peace and the welfare of Rivers State residents over political brinkmanship.
However, the current altercation between the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Nyesom Wike over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State is a pointer to the fact that the party would not sit and watch as a non-party member, in the person of Wike, brings it into disrepute.
As the situation develops, stakeholders across the country are watching closely to see how the Presidency responds and whether it will intervene—directly or indirectly—to de-escalate tensions. The outcome may not only determine the political future of Governor Fubara but could also redefine the influence and standing of the Minister of the FCT and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
The current altercation between the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State is a pointer to the fact that, before, during, or after the 2027 general elections, there may be an unending crisis in the APC if care is not taken. Analysts, however, believe that Senator Basiru’s outburst has the backing of the party and, by implication, President Bola Tinubu.
