Fubara made mistake buying second-term form — Okolugbo

By Lawrence Agbo

Public policy analyst and political communications strategist Kenny Okolugbo has said Siminalayi Fubara made a major political error by purchasing a form to seek a second term as governor of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

During an interview on ARISE News, Okolugbo stated that the move went against an alleged prior understanding involving Nyesom Wike, who he said had made it clear from the beginning that Fubara was not expected to pursue re-election.

“Wike made it very clear and didn’t hide the fact that there was an agreement of Fubara not going for a second term,” he said.

Speaking on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, Okolugbo argued that tensions escalated as it became increasingly obvious that Fubara intended to contest for a second term despite the reported agreement.

According to him, the governor also failed to effectively manage his relationship with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting that 27 out of the 30 lawmakers were opposed to him.

He said in a political situation where the overwhelming majority of lawmakers are against a governor, efforts should be made to reconcile with them, adding that failure to do so leaves little option other than political surrender.

Okolugbo maintained that Fubara’s second-term ambition contributed significantly to the breakdown of trust within the Rivers political structure and worsened the power struggle that has continued to divide key actors in the state.