Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu is unlikely to sacrifice the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in favour of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the political crisis in the oil-rich state drags on.

Fayose made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, while reacting to the prolonged power tussle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which has continued to unsettle Rivers politics.

According to Fayose, Wike’s political relevance to President Tinubu outweighs that of the incumbent Rivers governor. He argued that the President has little reason to sideline a key ally who has consistently delivered political results.

Fayose said: “The Tinubu I know will not abandon Wike because of Fubara. “Wike stood by him and offered strong support.”

He added that Wike’s standing is reinforced by his performance in Abuja and his ability to influence electoral outcomes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He added: “Look at what is happening in Abuja; even critics can see the changes. 

“In Rivers, APC won the local government elections largely because of Wike, and the party is confident of victories again. So, what more would the President be looking for?”

Fayose’s comments come amid moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fubara. 

The lawmakers have accused the governor of gross misconduct, including demolishing the assembly complex, approving spending outside the budget, and disobeying a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.

Although the Assembly has denied acting on Wike’s instructions, the crisis has intensified speculation about behind-the-scenes influence, prompting reports of presidential intervention.

Reacting to claims that Governor Fubara sought President Tinubu’s help during the standoff, Fayose suggested the approach reflected desperation rather than strategy.

“If he is running to the President for help, then clearly he needs assistance,” Fayose said, urging the governor to seek reconciliation and humility instead of escalating the conflict.

Fayose also addressed the wider turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing suggestions that Tinubu was responsible for the opposition party’s woes.

“The PDP’s problems are self-inflicted,” he said. “A divided house will always struggle. This is about survival politics, not external sabotage.”

The Rivers crisis, rooted in a struggle for control of the state’s political structure and party machinery, has continued since late 2023, deepening divisions within the PDP and raising concerns about governance and stability in the state.