The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from any agreement allegedly reached between suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON), and President Bola Tinubu concerning the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
New Daily Prime had earlier reported that following a closed-door meeting on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, an agreement was allegedly reached to end hostilities and allow all parties involved to work together.
The meeting reportedly included President Tinubu, FCT Minister Wike, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and the suspended lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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In its Friday report, The Cable stated that President Tinubu had agreed to reinstate Fubara as Governor of Rivers State — on the condition that he would not contest the 2027 gubernatorial election.
As part of the arrangement, Mr Wike would be permitted to appoint all 23 local government chairpersons in the state. Additionally, there was a directive to pay all outstanding allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 suspended lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister.
The report further stated that the lawmakers, led by Mr Amaewhule — who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) but continued to hold onto their seats — also agreed to suspend impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
The conditions reportedly agreed upon have since sparked widespread controversy, with several prominent political figures and civil society groups openly criticising the deal.
When contacted for clarification, the PDP — under whose platform Mr Fubara was elected governor in 2023 — denied any knowledge of the purported agreement.
Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the party was not involved in any discussions between Governor Fubara, President Tinubu, or Mr Wike.
“The PDP will make its stand known very soon. Let me say this clearly: the PDP was not a party to that discussion. I have not seen any copy of the agreement you referred to, so it would be premature to comment on it. When we have full details, we will communicate them to the public,” he stated.
“Again, we were not part of that negotiation. Until we see a formal document, we will not be able to make any official comment. Once we do, the party will respond accordingly.”
When asked about the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Mr Ologunagba clarified that it was solely the decision of President Tinubu and not endorsed by the PDP.
He added that, in the PDP’s view, the declaration was unconstitutional.
“And if you don’t know, let me now inform you — there is a pending case at the Supreme Court on these matters. A group of PDP governors is already in court,” he said.
“When issues are in court, they are sub judice. That’s why we refrain from commenting further. The legal status of that declaration is being contested, and we await the court’s judgment.”
President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
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The President said the decision was necessary due to a total breakdown of governance, rising political instability, and a constitutional crisis caused by the prolonged feud between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike.
Following the suspension, President Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to manage the affairs of the state. The National Assembly later ratified the President’s declaration through a voice vote.
