BREAKING: President Tinubu Meets Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara in London Amid Political Crisis
LONDON, United Kingdom – April 22, 2025 — In a significant development aimed at resolving the deepening political crisis in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly held a secret meeting in London with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara last week. The closed-door discussion, according to The Africa Report, took place shortly after the president’s brief stop in Paris and could mark a turning point in the long-running feud that has paralyzed governance in the state.
Sources close to the presidency confirmed that the meeting was held at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been seeking a political lifeline after his dramatic suspension and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Tinubu in March 2025.
Fubara Pledges Compromise to Regain Political Ground
A senior presidential adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Fubara approached the presidency with a willingness to compromise in exchange for political rehabilitation. “Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” the adviser stated.
During the high-level meeting in London, Fubara reportedly expressed readiness to reconcile with key figures in the political equation, even hinting at a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — the ruling party — as part of a broader realignment strategy.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State in the 2027 elections are much higher,” said another aide familiar with the negotiations.
Political observers believe that Fubara’s potential move to the APC could dramatically reshape the political landscape of Rivers State, a strategic stronghold known for its electoral significance and economic importance.
Wike Kept in the Dark: Tensions Simmer Behind the Scenes
Interestingly, the London meeting reportedly excluded Fubara’s former political godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who was instrumental in Fubara’s rise to power but later fell out with him following internal party disputes.
According to multiple sources, Wike was not only left out of the meeting but also expressed discomfort with the private discussions, viewing them as a threat to his influence in Rivers politics.
“Wike is not happy about being sidelined,” a source close to the former governor revealed. “He sees this as a betrayal and a weakening of his grip on Rivers State politics.”
Despite this, President Tinubu is reportedly working on a plan to bring all factions together. A three-way reconciliation meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is said to be in the pipeline, with the president personally leading the peace efforts.
The Bigger Picture: 2027 and Political Strategy
Analysts suggest that the London meeting is not just about resolving state-level conflict but is also part of a larger 2027 political calculation by President Tinubu. Securing Rivers State — which has one of the largest voting populations and serves as an economic hub — is critical for any presidential hopeful.
“President Tinubu understands the stakes. Rivers is too important to be left in turmoil,” said political analyst Dr. Tunde Bakare. “By engaging Fubara directly and possibly integrating him into the APC, Tinubu is building a future alliance that could pay dividends in the next election.”
Public Reaction and What Lies Ahead
The secret nature of the meeting has triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political spectrum. While some welcome the president’s efforts at de-escalating tensions, others worry about the implications for democratic norms and transparency.
Civil society organizations have called on the federal government to keep the public informed and ensure that any agreements reached serve the interests of Rivers State citizens, not just political elites.
As the nation awaits further updates, one thing is clear: the London talks have set the stage for a dramatic new chapter in the Rivers political saga. Whether they lead to genuine reconciliation or deeper divisions remains to be seen.
Tags: President Tinubu, Governor Fubara, Rivers State Crisis, APC, Nyesom Wike, 2027 Elections, Nigerian Politics, Political Negotiations, State of Emergency, London Meeting
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