A director of research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, has predicted that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara may defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Otubanjo said the governor could become a strong political force within the NDC if he eventually joins the party.
However, he warned that such a move could come with serious political risks, especially if the 28 lawmakers currently opposed to the governor remain in office.
Otubanjo described the ongoing political tension in Rivers State as unfortunate, adding that Governor Fubara bears some responsibility for the crisis surrounding his administration.
He also linked the governor’s rise to power to the political structure of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the current fallout is rooted in that earlier alliance.
According to him, Fubara’s situation could weaken his political standing if he defects, potentially even exposing him to impeachment before the 2027 elections, which could further reduce his influence.
Otubanjo argued that the governor’s political struggles stem from decisions made during his emergence, noting that his current challenges are tied to the same power dynamics that once supported his rise.
