ABUJA – While the nation remains transfixed by the explosive fallout between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a much deeper and perhaps more dangerous game is being played in the corridors of power. Emerging whispers from the capital suggest that the Rivers crisis has transcended local territorial control—it has become a high-stakes proxy battleground for the 2027 Presidential ticket.
At the heart of this gathering storm is Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose perceived “restraint” in the Rivers saga has reportedly ruffled the feathers of high-ranking power blocs, including those fiercely loyal to Wike. Leadership News reports that the crisis is now being viewed through the lens of long-term political survival.
The “Sympathy” Factor: Shettima’s Tightrope Walk
Political insiders suggest that Shettima has adopted a posture of moderation toward Governor Fubara, opting for reconciliation over the “crushing federal force” some expected. While Wike’s camp has pushed for a decisive strike to dislodge Fubara’s grip on the state’s structures, the Vice President is increasingly seen as the man holding back the floodgates.
“There is a growing perception that the VP has shown a level of sympathy toward Fubara that has unsettled certain interests,” a source within the All Progressives Congress (APC) noted. By allowing court orders to stand and the crisis to drag on without a total political “takeover” of Rivers, Shettima is being viewed by some as an obstacle to the Wike agenda.
Wike and the 2027 Vice-Presidential Calculus
The friction isn’t just about Port Harcourt; it’s about the 2027 running mate slot. Within the ruling party, groups are already auditing Shettima’s loyalty and electoral value ahead of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
For Nyesom Wike, the stakes are deeply personal:
- The Rivers Grudge: Wike reportedly views Shettima’s perceived “softness” toward Fubara as a betrayal of the “political family” that delivered the 2023 victory.
- The 2027 Slot: While Wike focuses on his role as FCT Minister, political watchers note that any perceived weakness in Shettima’s standing opens a “VP-shaped” door for ambitious brokers looking to reshape the 2027 ticket.
- Regional Balance: If Shettima is seen as “too accommodating” to opposition-leaning governors, his detractors may argue he lacks the “political iron” needed for a brutal re-election campaign.
Fubara Holding the Line
Despite the immense pressure, Governor Fubara continues to hold his ground, emboldened by the very “federal breathing room” that has angered Wike’s camp. The fact that the Governor still controls the state’s resources is being credited by many to a silent faction within the Presidency that favors stability over scorched-earth politics.
A Larger Crossfire
As the National Assembly and party leadership navigate these murky waters, the question remains: Is Kashim Shettima being set up as the fall guy for the Rivers impasse?
If the “pro-Wike” forces succeed in framing Shettima’s neutrality as a liability, the road to 2027 could see a major realignment within the Presidency. For now, the Rivers crisis isn’t just a local dispute—it’s the first major “heat-check” for the 2027 North-South political alliance.
