APC: Fubara has been treated badly, it’s dangerous for Tinubu – Otubanjo

The director of research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, warned that the way Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was treated during the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary could pose a political risk to President Bola Tinubu.

Otubanjo made the comments on Thursday while appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show. He also criticized the involvement of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in the political affairs of Rivers State and the APC.

He said the handling of Fubara’s political crisis is one of the most surprising developments in Nigeria’s political scene. Otubanjo added that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, appears to be directing political activities within the ruling party in Rivers State. The research director warned that the current political arrangement in the state could negatively affect Tinubu, insisting that Wike was pursuing a personal agenda rather than the president’s.

He stated: “The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We have a situation in which Nyesom Wike, who is not even in the APC, is taking the primary decision in the APC. I hope the tactical team of President Bola Tinubu is not sleeping.”

“The reality is that what they have done is very dangerous for Tinubu. What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda despite PBAT and all of that combination.”

“If Wike really wants to pursue Tinubu’s agenda, he must retain Fubara.”