Rivers: Primate Ayodele Speaks Amid Reports Fubara Would Not Seek Re-election in 2027

• The ‘now-rested’ Rivers state political crisis between Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, may cost the governor his second-term ambition
• A report in June said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as the governor of Rivers state
• The report said the ‘agreement’ was reached on the condition that Fubara will not seek re-election in 2027; Primate Elijah Ayodele has now shared prophetic insights

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, election, and governance in Nigeria.

Oke Afa, Lagos state - Ahead of the 2027 election, Primate Elijah Ayodele has revealed that the governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, can still have a second term in office.

Amid the now-concluded emergency rule in the oil-rich state, Fubara reportedly held a peace meeting with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and the lawmakers at the behest of President Bola Tinubu.

Read also

5 key takeaways from Fubara's speech as he returns as Rivers state governor after Tinubu’s announcement

One of the key terms of the meeting, according to an exclusive report by The Cable, reshared by other media outlets, was that Fubara would forgo any plan to seek a second term in 2027.

The governor was also said have agreed to allow Wike nominate all the local government chairpersons across the 23 local government areas (LGA) of the state.

Speaking on Friday, September 19, through a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, sent to Legit.ng, Primate Ayodele shared that Fubara can still have a second term in office if he seeks the face of God and stays loyal to Wike.

He also noted that part of his (Fubara's) loyalty to Wike would include technically ceding the position of the deputy governor to the assembly speaker, as his chosen deputy would be a figurehead.

President Tinubu announced the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers state effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Read also

Breaking: Rivers Assembly set to resume sitting as Tinubu announces cessation of state of emergency

Against the backdrop of the presidential decision, Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church (IESC), Lagos, said:

“Fubara can still get a second term if he seeks the face of God and is obedient to his principal, Nyesom Wike. He should also note that his acting deputy governor would be the speaker of the state, his chosen deputy would be more of a figurehead.”

'Wike, Fubara feud not over'

Furthermore, the outspoken cleric noted that the state would not be totally peaceful, adding that some of Fubara’s allies would cause a crisis as they will be furious with him. Ayodele claimed that the feud between Wike and Fubara is not over, as the latter would be used to check the FCT minister.

Primate Ayodele said:

“Rivers state won’t be fully peaceful because of the indecision of Fubara; he won’t be taken seriously anymore, and some of his allies will be angry with him. Fubara and Wike will still fight; it’s not yet over, and the governor will be used to check Wike politically.”

Read also

Atiku, Peter Obi speak out as Tinubu restores Fubara as Rivers governor

Also, Primate Ayodele commended President Tinubu 'for saving Rivers state from calamity.'

He said:

“Tinubu saved River state from calamity and bloodbath because without it, the state would have been forgotten. Several things would have happened in the state, but the state of emergency cautioned everyone.”

Tonye Cole speaks on Fubara's return

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers state, said Fubara would have ‘zero’ powers when his suspension is lifted.

According to him, Fubara would find himself in a difficult situation. The APC chieftain stated that Fubara would not be able to make any decision as a governor without interference.

Source: Legit.ng