Real Cause of Latest Fubara-Wike Rift Revealed

Sources have revealed that a disagreement over a proposed supplementary budget has reignited tensions between Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State. The conflict reportedly began after Wike pushed for additional budget allocations through state lawmakers loyal to him. Fubara rejected the proposal, arguing that the budget already approved by the National Assembly during the state’s emergency rule—N1.48 trillion for 2025—was sufficient for the remainder of the year. Fubara had previously noted that the state government account contained over N300 billion when he was suspended last year, and he returned to find N600 billion available.

Following the budget disagreement, Wike convened key political allies, including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, at the residence of Ferdinand Anabraba, a senior political figure in Port Harcourt. Sources say Wike told attendees he was ready for a full political confrontation with Fubara, signaling the reopening of hostilities. Earlier, the Rivers assembly had accused Fubara of unapproved spending and awarding contracts to associates, intensifying the political friction.

Anticipating conflict with Wike, Fubara aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move reportedly endorsed by President Bola Tinubu. APC governors also supported Fubara, in part to counter Wike’s influence. Fubara formally joined the APC on December 9, 2025, despite having previously promised to serve only a single term.

Negotiations to restore peace before the lifting of emergency rule broke down. Wike had demanded that Fubara reinstate Sergeant Awuse, the traditional ruler of Emohua and a Wike ally, as chair of the state’s traditional rulers’ council, and approve new commissioner appointments. Fubara’s refusal to meet these conditions reportedly ended the fragile truce. The breakdown has led Wike to openly criticize Fubara following his defection. On Tuesday, Wike indicated that leadership errors in Rivers would be addressed in 2027 and suggested he would later disclose details of the peace agreement that returned Fubara to office.

This latest conflict follows last year’s protracted political crisis between Fubara and Wike-backed assembly members, which prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.