Power Game In Rivers: Nyesom Wike Weighs Two Successors To Replace Siminalayi Fubara

The alliance, which reportedly cuts across both ruling and opposition camps, is being driven by Nyesom Wike, who is said to be holding strategic consultations on who should emerge as the preferred candidate.

Unlike in many other states where aspirants have begun to declare interest, no major figure—including the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara—has publicly indicated plans to run, fueling speculation and uncertainty.

Sources familiar with the situation say two individuals are currently being considered as possible consensus candidates. One is Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who has represented Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency since 2011 and is widely seen as a loyal ally of Wike.

The second name in contention is Marcus Eji, Executive Director (Projects) at the South-South Development Commission and a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He is also believed to have close ties with Wike.

Amid the speculation, Wike has cautioned against introducing ethnic considerations into the selection process, stressing that competence and sincerity should be the guiding factors.

“I will work with those who are sincere, regardless of where they come from,” he said, while maintaining that he has not officially endorsed any candidate—aside from his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Insiders suggest that the political platform the coalition will adopt may depend on Fubara’s eventual decision. If the governor decides to seek a second term, the coalition’s candidate could remain in the PDP to challenge him. However, if he opts out, the candidate may run on the APC platform, given the coalition’s influence across both parties in the state.

Fubara’s silence has continued to raise questions about his political direction, especially after the crisis that weakened his support base. Analysts believe he may face significant challenges if he contests without firm control of party structures.

However, allies of the governor insist that the final decision rests entirely with him and that his political support can still be rebuilt.

Meanwhile, Wike has hinted at a possible break from backing Fubara, suggesting a widening rift between both camps and adding another layer of uncertainty to the state’s political future.