There Was An Understanding” — Okolugbo Speaks On Wike-Fubara Rift Over 2027 Race

Governor Fubara later withdrew from the All Progressives Congress primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, just hours before the exercise was scheduled to take place.

Reacting to the development during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time, Okolugbo claimed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had openly stated that there was an understanding that Fubara would not seek a second term in office.

Okolugbo, who previously served as an aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, argued that Fubara should not have purchased the nomination form in the first place, especially considering the level of opposition he faces within the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to him, as political tensions increased, it became apparent that Fubara might have been preparing to go against the alleged agreement.

He further noted that with the majority of lawmakers in the Assembly reportedly opposed to the governor, the political situation had become increasingly difficult for him to manage.

Okolugbo added that in such circumstances, a governor would either need to win over opposing lawmakers politically or eventually concede to prevailing political realities.