Political Shakeups: Rivers Ijaw Congress Dumps Fubara, Backs Wike
The political landscape in the Niger Delta has taken a dramatic turn as the Rivers Ijaw Congress political move shifts in favor of Nyesom Wike following a high-stakes consultative meeting in Port Harcourt. In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the ethnic and political corridors of the state, the influential body officially withdrew its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing a perceived lack of clear direction and the abandonment of the political structure that brought him to power.
This realignment is particularly significant given that Governor Fubara is an Ijaw son, making the group’s pivot to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory a major blow to the governor’s ethnic support base.
Leading the delegation, the Congress leadership expressed deep-seated frustrations over ongoing administrative friction within the state. They argued that while their initial support for Fubara was rooted in ethnic solidarity, the state’s developmental progress and political stability have been jeopardized by unnecessary confrontations with established leadership. By shifting their loyalty, the Congress members emphasized that they are prioritizing the long-term interests of the Ijaw people and the overall peace of Rivers State, which they believe is better secured under the strategic influence and political machinery of Wike.
The Congress further highlighted Wike’s track record in infrastructure development and his role in ensuring an Ijaw successor as key factors in their decision to return to his camp. They described the Minister as a visionary leader who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the growth of Rivers State beyond ethnic considerations. During the declaration, spokespersons urged other stakeholders to recognize that political loyalty should be based on performance and the ability to maintain a functional government rather than tribal affiliations.
As the 2026 political calendar unfolds, this endorsement represents a pivotal moment in the battle for the soul of Rivers State. The withdrawal of support from such a prominent ethnic bloc suggests that the internal rift between the Governor and his predecessor is far from over. With the Rivers Ijaw Congress now firmly aligned with Wike, the pressure on the Fubara administration to consolidate its remaining support bases has reached an all-time high. This development effectively redraws the battle lines for future elections, proving that in the volatile world of Rivers politics, alliances remain as fluid as the waters of the Niger Delta.