From Political Hero To Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Follower? Fubara Humiliates His Own Loyalists With ‘Join Me Or Leave’ Ultimatum, Sparks Fresh Questions Over His Political Relevance!

By Passman Akpos

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has triggered fresh political controversy after issuing a blunt ultimatum to his supporters, declaring that those unwilling to join the Nyesom Wike-backed Rainbow Coalition are free to leave him.

The declaration, coming after months of political confrontation, reconciliation efforts and a dramatic realignment between the governor and his former political benefactor, has raised questions about Fubara’s political independence, leadership authority and ability to retain the loyalty of supporters who stood by him during his prolonged battle with Wike.

Fubara made the controversial remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt.

Addressing members of the newly inaugurated campaign council, the governor congratulated those whose names appeared on the list but reassured those omitted that additional opportunities existed through sub-committees and possible updates.

However, his subsequent warning against divided loyalty became the major talking point, particularly his declaration that anybody unwilling to follow his new political direction should quietly walk away.

“We still have sub-committees. The list can also be updated so you don’t have any problems to worry about. The most important thing is to work with your heart sincerely.

“Don’t openly say you’re with me and behold you’re doing a different thing. I’m here, and I say it boldly anywhere any day. And no anybody who says he is not with me, gently go your way,” Fubara declared.

The governor further urged his supporters to abandon the political disagreements of the past, insisting that the new political arrangement was necessary to secure a better future.

“Don’t go behind and say this is Fubara, no, no, no. I have said it. It might be difficult but we have gone past that. We are looking at the future and what God holds for us,” he added.

FROM POLITICAL CONFRONTATION TO RAINBOW COALITION: HAS FUBARA’S POLITICAL POSITION CHANGED?

Fubara’s latest declaration has brought renewed attention to the dramatic transformation of Rivers politics.

Not long ago, the governor was at the centre of an intense political confrontation with Wike, the former governor who supported his emergence as successor in 2023.

The disagreement, which erupted publicly in October 2023, divided the Rivers State House of Assembly, polarised political structures and plunged the state into an unprecedented political crisis.

Fubara subsequently became the face of a political resistance against what his supporters considered excessive interference in his administration.

The confrontation escalated in March 2025 when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

Following the restoration of democratic governance in September 2025, reconciliation efforts eventually gained momentum.

However, the new political arrangement has placed Fubara in the same Rainbow Coalition with Wike, the man with whom he had fought a prolonged political battle.

For some political observers, the governor’s latest ultimatum raises an uncomfortable question: What happens to supporters who stood with him throughout the crisis but are uncomfortable with his new political direction?

Has reconciliation produced a stronger political alliance, or has it exposed the difficult choices facing Fubara’s political base?

WIKE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS FUBARA THANKS FORMER POLITICAL BENEFACTOR

Adding another dimension to the political drama, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike inaugurated the campaign council and announced plans to establish similar structures across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.

Wike disclosed that the coalition would abandon conventional campaign rallies in favour of grassroots mobilisation through community meetings, family gatherings and age-grade associations.

He said the strategy would involve reaching residents in their communities rather than repeatedly assembling familiar political supporters at ceremonial rallies.

The minister also commended Fubara for attending the inauguration and other coalition engagements despite his busy schedule.

Wike, who leads the PDP/Rainbow Coalition, explained that members of the campaign council were selected based on their ability to participate in political activities and deliver electoral results.

The arrangement places Wike and Fubara in the same political project ahead of the 2027 elections, with the coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

FUBARA’S ULTIMATUM RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LOYALTY OF HIS SUPPORTERS

Perhaps the most controversial implication of Fubara’s statement is the possibility of alienating some of the political supporters who defended him during his confrontation with Wike.

Many of those supporters identified with Fubara during the political crisis because they believed he deserved the freedom to govern without external interference.

His decision to embrace the Rainbow Coalition may therefore present a difficult political test: Can he persuade those supporters to accept his new alliance, or will some interpret his ultimatum as an indication that their loyalty during the crisis is no longer relevant?

The governor’s declaration that those unwilling to follow him should leave could also intensify disagreements within his political camp.

Meanwhile, sarcastic political commentaries circulating around the development have questioned the governor’s political standing, with some critics using the controversy to ridicule his apparent change of political direction.

Others have raised questions about whether Fubara’s reconciliation with Wike has strengthened his political position or placed him in a more complicated political situation.

THE BIG QUESTION: WHO CONTROLS RIVERS POLITICS AHEAD OF 2027?

With Wike coordinating the Rainbow Coalition, Fubara embracing the arrangement and political actors positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, the struggle for political influence in Rivers State is far from settled.

Fubara has expressed confidence that the coalition will secure more votes than the political bloc achieved in 2023.

He thanked Wike and other political leaders for their efforts in establishing the campaign council.

But beyond campaign structures and political declarations, the real test will be whether Fubara can retain the confidence of his original supporters while operating within a political arrangement coordinated by his former adversary.

For a governor who once became the symbol of resistance against political interference, his latest declaration presents a striking political contrast.

The question Rivers people may now be asking is simple: Has Fubara successfully negotiated a political reconciliation, or has the governor’s dramatic return to Wike’s political camp come at the expense of his political independence?..