Former Governor questions Fubara’s political history and leadership
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has taken a swipe at the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, over his ongoing political confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Fayose criticized Fubara’s attempt to assert absolute control over the state’s political structure, reminding the Governor that he was virtually “nobody” in the political space just three years ago. The former Governor argued that it is a “sad narrative” for a protégé to be engaging in a public battle with the person who provided the platform for his emergence.
Fayose noted that while the office of the Governor deserves respect, the occupant must also acknowledge the political foundations that made their rise possible. He explained that there is a significant difference between the administrative office of the Governor and the political leadership of a state. According to him, Fubara’s recent declarations of being the “001” or the sole leader in Rivers State are misplaced and demonstrate a lack of understanding of political nomenclature and hierarchy.
The former Ekiti helmsman maintained that Fubara should have used “wisdom and carrot-and-stick” methods to manage the crisis rather than engaging in “fighting fire on the street.” Fayose warned that the Governor’s current approach is self-destructive and could lead to a permanent loss of his political influence if he does not seek a peaceful resolution. He urged Fubara to humble himself and realize that the political masters who provided his platform deserve a certain level of deference, regardless of his current executive powers.
Comparisons drawn between Rivers and Lagos leadership
To further illustrate his point, Ayo Fayose drew a parallel with the political situation in Lagos State. He challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to declare himself the political leader of Lagos, insisting that everyone knows the true leadership rests with President Bola Tinubu. He cited a recent incident where an impeached Speaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly was reportedly reinstated due to the President’s influence, proving that the executive governor is not always the ultimate political authority.
Fayose argued that Fubara is being misled by individuals who will “run away” the moment he faces a real political downfall. He recalled his own experiences as governor, stating that many people who encouraged him to fight back were nowhere to be found when he was isolated and alone. The former Governor emphasized that President Tinubu “hates ingratitude” and is unlikely to sacrifice a seasoned and high-performing minister like Wike for a governor who is perceived as being disloyal to his benefactor.
He also described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State in 2025 as a “political lifeline” for Fubara. According to Fayose, the Governor would have been “history” by now through impeachment if the federal intervention had not occurred. He suggested that the six-month suspension of executive powers should have served as a period of sober reflection for the Governor to learn how to manage political relationships more effectively.
The price of peace is cheaper than war
In a final warning to the Rivers Governor, Fayose stated that the “price for peace is cheaper than the consequences of war.” He reminded Fubara that he cannot simply take away the constitutional powers of the State House of Assembly, which has recently resumed impeachment proceedings against him. Fayose recounted how he had to manage an opposition-led legislature during his first tenure in Ekiti just to survive, suggesting that Fubara is currently lacking the “wisdom” required to navigate a hostile parliament.
The former Governor expressed doubt that Fubara could successfully win Rivers State for the APC or any other party in 2027 without the support of the structures built by Nyesom Wike. He dismissed the Governor’s recent political outreach efforts as “aesthetics” that do not reflect genuine grassroots support. As the impeachment plot continues to gain momentum, Fayose insisted that “fasting and prayers” might be the only things left to save the Governor if he refuses to reconcile with his estranged godfather.
The political feud between Wike and Fubara has remained one of the most volatile stories in Nigerian politics throughout early 2026. With both sides refusing to back down, the state remains on edge as residents watch the unfolding drama between the executive and the legislature. Fayose’s intervention adds to the growing list of elder statesmen who have voiced their concerns over the long-term stability of the Niger Delta’s powerhouse state.
