A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwibubasa, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of abandoning the interests of Rivers people by reconciling with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Nwibubasa made the remarks while reacting to the governor’s recent declaration of support for the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Fubara also publicly pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and candidates of the coalition, describing the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State as over.

According to the APC stalwart, many residents stood firmly behind Fubara throughout the political conflict because they believed he was defending the state’s interests. He argued that the governor’s decision to return to Wike’s political camp has disappointed many of those supporters.

Nwibubasa alleged that the reconciliation showed the political crisis was not entirely about protecting Rivers State but was instead driven by personal political interests. He maintained that those who supported the governor during the months of uncertainty now feel betrayed by the latest development.

The APC chieftain further claimed that Fubara had effectively surrendered his political structure, insisting that Rivers people deserved leadership focused on governance, development and improving the welfare of citizens rather than political realignments.

His criticism comes shortly after Fubara publicly announced that he had settled his differences with Wike and urged his supporters to unite behind the Rainbow Coalition. The governor also encouraged his loyalists to support President Tinubu and every candidate presented by the coalition in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the gathering, Fubara declared that the period of political hostility in Rivers State had come to an end.

“I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our President, and he is the one we are supporting. The governorship candidate is the candidate I am supporting, and anybody who believes in me will support every candidate under the Rainbow Coalition,” the governor said.

Fubara also dismissed suggestions that he should delay joining the coalition, insisting that his decision had already been made.

“I am already in the family. I have returned to our family. Give your total support to the coalition. The time of war is over; it is now time for peace,” he added.

The reconciliation between Fubara and Wike represents a major turning point in Rivers State politics after months of intense disagreements that created divisions across the state’s political landscape.

While supporters of the peace agreement believe it could restore political stability and allow the government to focus on development, critics like Nwibubasa argue that the governor has abandoned the mandate many Rivers residents believed he was defending during the crisis.

As political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, the reconciliation continues to generate mixed reactions, highlighting the deep political divisions that still exist despite the public show of unity.