The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced concern over the unfolding political situation in Rivers State, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system. Deputy National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Okey Osuoha, said on Tuesday that the arrangement surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement amounts to “an aberration” with far-reaching consequences for governance in the country.
Osuoha told BusinessDay that the crisis in Rivers State represents a test of Nigeria’s democratic values. “Nigeria’s democracy is on trial,” he said, warning that the circumstances under which Fubara is set to return to office may undermine both party politics and state governance.
The suspended governor, who is due to resume office on September 18 when the six-month state of emergency ends, has remained largely absent from PDP activities despite being listed as a member of the party’s convention planning committee. Osuoha, however, expressed optimism that Fubara would become more engaged once he is back in office. “We are sure that when he comes back, he will begin to participate in the party’s activities. We have not lost all hope,” he added.
Fubara’s return follows months of political turmoil in Rivers, which prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18 and appoint retired Naval Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the oil-rich state. The president later convened a peace meeting in Lagos on June 3 involving Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
While the deal brokered by Tinubu paved the way for Fubara’s reinstatement, sources quoted by BusinessDay revealed that the governor would return with significantly reduced powers. His political godfather, Wike, along with the Federal Government, is expected to retain control over key governance structures in the state.
As part of the truce, last weekend’s local government elections in Rivers were factored into the conditions for Fubara’s return. The polls delivered a sweeping victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won 20 of the 23 council chairmanship seats. Analysts have described the outcome as a major power shift, signalling stronger APC influence in a state long considered a PDP stronghold.
A source at the Presidential Villa told BusinessDay that one of the preconditions for Fubara’s return was his agreement to cede authority over critical governance structures, further raising concerns about the governor’s autonomy once back in office.
The PDP’s warning comes amid mounting speculation that Fubara may be reduced to a symbolic leader with limited control, while other political actors consolidate power behind the scenes. Party officials argue that such arrangements risk weakening Nigeria’s federal democracy by prioritizing political bargains over constitutional governance.
For now, expectations are focused on September 18, when the state of emergency will lapse and Fubara is formally reinstated. While the PDP insists it has “not lost all hope,” the circumstances of his return point to a complicated future for Rivers politics, with questions lingering over whether the governor will be able to exercise full authority or remain constrained by political deals.
