Fubara declares truce, backs Tinubu, Wike coalition

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared a public truce, signaling an end to the protracted political crisis that has gripped the state. In a significant shift, Fubara announced his support for President Bola Tinubu's second term and the governorship ambition of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Kingsley Chinda for the 2027 elections.

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We have made peace in the state, and I’m supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Tinubu is our President, and is the one we are supporting.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Riven Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt, Fubara stated his commitment to peace and development, aligning himself with the "Rainbow Coalition." This political group was initiated by his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to advance the APC's interests in Rivers State. Fubara urged his supporters to embrace this new era of unity.

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OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting, and anybody who believes in me will support him and every other candidate that is under the Rainbow Coalition.

"We have made peace in the state, and I’m supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Tinubu is our President, and is the one we are supporting," Fubara declared. He explicitly endorsed Chinda as the governorship candidate, instructing his followers, "If you’re not hearing well, use cotton wool to clean your ears and let it enter well. My position is this: I have said it here and clearly for everyone to hear."

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I’ve gone back to our family. So, please, whoever you are, give your total support to the Rainbow Coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over. It is time for peace, and this peace is taking us to another level.

The political rift between Fubara and Wike erupted in late 2023, leading to a division in the state assembly, impeachment threats against Fubara, and a prolonged power struggle. The crisis saw a temporary state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in 2025, suspending state officials and the assembly, though the suspension was later lifted. Fubara's endorsement of Chinda comes after he did not participate in the APC primaries, with Chinda securing the ticket in his place.

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I want this to be made clear to everybody. So, don’t go anywhere and say you’re supporting Fubara …. No. My position is this: I have said it here and clearly for everyone to hear. If you’re not hearing well, use cotton wool to clean your ears and let it enter well.