Otubanjo Warns: Fubara’s Harsh APC Treatment Is Dangerous for Tinubu

A Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Femi Otubanjo, has warned that the handling of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political situation during the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) processes could pose political risks for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Otubanjo criticised what he described as the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in both Rivers State politics and internal affairs of the APC.

He said the ongoing political developments surrounding Fubara represent one of the most unexpected and controversial situations in Nigeria’s political space.

Otubanjo further argued that Wike, despite not being a member of the APC, appears to wield significant influence over political decisions within the party in Rivers State.

He warned that the current arrangement could have negative implications for President Tinubu, suggesting that Wike may be advancing personal interests rather than aligning strictly with the President’s political agenda.

According to him, “The treatment of Fubara is one of the most surprising developments in Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We now have a situation where Nyesom Wike, who is not even in the APC, is taking key decisions within the party in Rivers State. I hope the President’s political team is not asleep.”

He added that the situation could be politically risky for Tinubu, insisting that Wike’s actions appear to reflect personal ambition rather than loyalty to the President’s broader agenda.