Both politicians are once again at odds over who will succeed Fubara as governor of Rivers State, raising concerns that the earlier reconciliation may be collapsing.

The tension is tied to a peace deal reportedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which included an understanding that Fubara would not seek re-election in 2027 and would instead join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fubara had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to ease pressure from impeachment threats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

However, fresh political controversy erupted on Tuesday after a group of elders led by Hon. Awaji Inombek Abiante, a House of Representatives member and ally of the governor, purchased governorship nomination forms on Fubara’s behalf. The development triggered speculation that the governor may be reconsidering earlier political understandings, with critics accusing him of backing out of the alleged agreement with Wike.

In a counter development, allies of Wike also entered the race. Dax George-Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works, and Hon. Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, obtained governorship forms as well. George-Kelly is contesting under the APC, while Chinda is expected to run on the PDP platform.

The contest also features Architect Tonye Patrick Cole of the APC, a known associate of former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) figure Rotimi Amaechi. Cole, who previously contested and lost the governorship elections in 2019 and 2023, has declared that he will not step down for any candidate.

Although Cole is considered a less dominant figure politically in the state, George-Kelly and Chinda are seen as more formidable due to their ties to Wike’s political structure. George-Kelly shares the riverine geopolitical base with Fubara, potentially dividing APC support, while Chinda comes from the Ikwerre ethnic group, the same as Wike, and is currently the only openly declared PDP aspirant.

Reports also indicate that Fubara may have endorsed 32 aspirants for seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. These candidates, believed to be his loyalists, are said to be contesting across various constituencies under the leadership of former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.

A former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo, an ally of the governor, is also reportedly preparing to challenge the current Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

One supporter of the governor claimed that Fubara has mobilised backing for 32 assembly candidates loyal to his camp.

Amid these developments, there are fears that the political crisis could escalate again in the House of Assembly, with lawmakers aligned to Wike allegedly considering renewed impeachment moves when legislative activities resume. They are reportedly citing constitutional concerns relating to budget processes, spending approvals, and the structure of the state executive council.

Despite the growing tension, some political analysts believe Fubara may still have strong backing within the APC. They point to the influence of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the APC screening committee, as well as support from other APC governors.

There are also reports that some governors are urging President Tinubu to intervene and caution Wike to prevent further destabilisation of the APC in Rivers State.

Wike, during a tour of local government areas in January, had vowed not to repeat what he described as the mistake of supporting a “disloyal” candidate in the 2027 governorship race. Although he has not publicly named his preferred successor, he has made it clear that he intends to play a decisive role in determining who emerges governor.