BREAKING: Six Months Suspension: 3 Ways Fubara Can Regain Power In One Week

The dramatic suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is one incident that will linger in Rivers State and the entire political landscape of Nigeria for a long time.

Once seen as Nyesom Wike’s chosen heir, Fubara’s rise to the governorship promised continuity—until it didn’t.

Now, suspended by President Bola Tinubu in a historic move, Fubara finds himself at a crossroads. His political future is uncertain, and his ability to regain power depends on his next steps.

So, what must Fubara do to reclaim his lost position and rise from the ashes of this political debacle?

While the odds may seem stacked against him, Fubara can still make a comeback. But there are three crucial moves he must make to regain power in Rivers State—and fast.

1. Rebuild Alliances And Strengthen His Base

In politics, alliances are everything. The most significant misstep that Fubara made was underestimating the complexities of managing a political transition.

By appointing commissioners who were loyal to Wike, he unwittingly reignited the fire of division within the state’s political sphere.

The cracks that appeared between Fubara and Wike’s loyalists were not just fractures—they were gaping wounds.

Fubara needs to focus on rebuilding these fractured alliances.

His first priority should be to reconcile with those who remain loyal to Wike, ensuring that they feel heard, respected, and empowered.

He must also reach out to grassroots leaders who once supported his cause. If Fubara is to have any chance of regaining his power, he cannot afford to alienate key players in Rivers politics.

But here’s the catch: it won’t be easy. Wike’s political network is vast and deeply rooted in the state.

To make a real comeback, Fubara must demonstrate that he can operate beyond the shadow of his predecessor and chart a course that benefits all, not just a select few.

2. Win Public Support Through Pragmatic Leadership

One of the most important lessons from this crisis is that power in Rivers State is not simply about holding office; it’s about maintaining public support.

The moment Fubara’s leadership came into question, the people of Rivers began to feel that the government was unstable.

A divided House of Assembly and internal strife painted a picture of inefficiency, and this alienated many citizens.

If Fubara is serious about regaining power, he needs to win the hearts and minds of the people again.
That means taking bold steps to address the issues that affect ordinary Rivers residents—like security, infrastructure, and economic development.

He must move away from the political infighting and focus on tangible results that improve the quality of life for the people of the state.

This isn’t just about optics; it’s about proving that he can lead with the people’s best interests at heart.

But Fubara needs to move fast. The longer he stays suspended under military administration, the more time Wike’s influence will consolidate.

Public support, once lost, is incredibly hard to regain.

Fubara must seize any opportunity to connect with the electorate, through town halls, direct engagement, and social media, to show that he remains a capable and visionary leader.

3. Find A Political Sponsor Or Sponsor Himself

In the game of Nigerian politics, sponsorship is often the key to survival.

Fubara’s biggest advantage when he first became governor was Wike’s backing.

Now that Wike is out of the picture—at least politically for the moment—Fubara finds himself standing alone.

To regain power, Fubara must secure new political backing.

This could come in the form of alliances with influential figures within the ruling party, or even other political heavyweights who have their own designs on power in the state.

However, Fubara must be careful here. Forming alliances with the wrong people could sink his political career permanently.

Alternatively, Fubara could try to build his own base of power.

This means developing a strong, loyal following that extends beyond the political elite.

By nurturing relationships with key interest groups, including civil society organizations, youth movements, and trade unions, Fubara can build a network that will support him when the time comes to stage a political comeback.

To do this, however, Fubara needs to stay out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The public perception of him is already tainted; he cannot afford to make further missteps.

His political future depends on his ability to remain poised, strategic, and, above all, patient.

Bonus Move: Leveraging Legal Channels To Challenge The Suspension

While Fubara’s suspension may seem like the final nail in the coffin, he can still challenge the legality of his removal in the courts.

Nigerian politicians are no strangers to using legal battles as part of their political strategy, and this could be Fubara’s ticket back to the governor’s office.

If he can prove that the suspension was unconstitutional or politically motivated, he may be able to reclaim his position through the judicial process.

However, this is a double-edged sword. Legal battles take time, and if Fubara is not careful, he could come off as overly combative, further alienating potential supporters.

But if he plays his cards right and has a solid case, the court could be his path to redemption.