An Ekiti State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayodele Arise, has expressed confidence that the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu will not negatively affect his chances of securing re-election in 2027.
President Tinubu had in 2025 proclaimed a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State following heightened political tensions.
During the period, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended from office.
A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), was appointed sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
At the expiration of the six months, the suspension was lifted and the elected officials reinstated.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Sunday, Senator Arise, who represented the Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, defended the president’s decision, insisting it was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“By and large, we have to thank Mr President for taking the decision he took. The situation in Rivers State at the time was almost getting out of hand.
“The intervention was necessary to restore order and safeguard critical national assets,” Arise said.
The APC stalwart underscored the strategic importance of Rivers State, especially to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, stressing that peace in the region was non-negotiable.
“Rivers remains central to the Nigerian economy. You cannot allow instability to fester in such a critical state where oil and gas installations are concentrated.
“The steps taken by Mr President saved the country from bigger trouble,” he explained.
On the political implications of the emergency rule, Arise dismissed suggestions that Tinubu’s decision would alienate Rivers voters or weaken APC’s chances in 2027.
“Some people are saying the president has lost Rivers politically because of the emergency rule. I don’t share that view. Rivers people will still vote for President Tinubu in 2027.
“The APC has strengthened its grassroots structures in the state, and we have seen the results in the last presidential election and even the local government polls,” he argued.
He further stressed the roles of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in stabilising the state ahead of the next elections.
“Both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike have their roles to play. They are key political stakeholders, and their influence at the grassroots cannot be underestimated.
“They will be instrumental in ensuring peace and stability in Rivers, which is vital for the 2027 elections,” Arise added.
The former senator maintained that Tinubu’s action in Rivers was a case of national interest superseding politics, insisting that history would judge the president positively for the intervention.
