Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers Governor Sim Fubara before June 12. The political fallout may reshape 2027. Find out more…
…. Ex-President Joins Secret Lobby to End ‘Unconstitutional’ Suspension as Tinubu Faces Critical Democracy Day Test
All Facts Newspaper has gathered, through a Vanguard Newspaper investigation, that former President Goodluck Jonathan has joined a quiet but high-stakes pressure campaign to compel President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara — with a deadline reportedly set for June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Sources confirm that Jonathan personally reached out to Tinubu via phone, urging him to restore democratic order in Rivers State by recalling the embattled governor, who was controversially suspended by presidential fiat on March 18 — an action many legal experts and political actors describe as unconstitutional and dictatorial.
Jonathan’s involvement, which has now become a flashpoint in elite political circles, adds momentum to calls for Tinubu to use the June 12 national address to correct what many now call a “stain on democracy” under his leadership.
Jonathan’s Call: A Democracy Day Dilemma
According to sources who spoke to Vanguard , Jonathan’s plea to Tinubu is rooted in both personal conviction and national symbolism. He believes reinstating Fubara ahead of Democracy Day would be a critical gesture in preserving the democratic legacy of Nigeria — especially on the day meant to honour the sacrifice of democratic icons like MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, and many others.
Yet Tinubu, despite hailing from that same democratic struggle, has allowed Rivers State to be governed by a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.), following Fubara’s removal — a move not backed by the Constitution.
The Illegality Controversy: Constitution Ignored?
Legal scholars and critics argue Tinubu’s suspension of an elected governor is legally baseless, citing:
Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution: Allows emergency rule without removing a sitting governor.
Section 188: Places the power of removing a governor exclusively with the State House of Assembly, not the President.
Yet, Tinubu bypassed these provisions, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and House of Assembly members loyal to the governor. Analysts say this was the climax of the internal power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike — now Minister of the FCT — over control of Rivers PDP structures.
Secret London Meeting & Lagos Pact: Fubara Makes Peace Moves
Desperate for reinstatement, Fubara flew to London in April to meet Tinubu privately. The three-hour meeting reportedly focused on restoring peace and democracy in Rivers.
Fubara later met Tinubu again in Lagos, surprising many political observers. His recent public statements thanking Tinubu and cautioning supporters against attacking Wike or the President have been interpreted as a sign of compromise — or political survival.
Observers say this “submission” may be part of a behind-the-scenes deal to get back into office before June 18 — the day his unconstitutional removal would reach a full three months.
Political Realignment and 2027 Calculations
All Facts Newspaper also learned from the Vanguard report that:
Fubara now understands why governors like Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) quietly aligned with the APC.
Fubara is said to be considering defecting to APC to secure Tinubu’s backing and block further attacks from Wike’s allies.
This move could strain Tinubu’s ties with Wike, who recently swore to lead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign in Rivers — a promise that may now be at risk.
Wike Kept in the Dark, Loses Grip?
The Vanguard report reveals that Wike was unaware of Tinubu and Fubara’s Lagos meeting. Sources say the “governor requested the unexpected visit,” leaving the former Rivers strongman blindsided.
Wike, in a recent media chat, admitted he hasn’t seen Fubara in months and slammed the emergency rule for giving Fubara “a haven.”
He maintains that Fubara is his “son,” but one who chose to fight him. According to him, Fubara allowed himself to be used by political adversaries like: Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus
Yet, Tinubu appears to be navigating his own chess game in Rivers — one where Wike may soon find himself politically isolated.
Tinubu’s Strategic Budget Move
Insiders say Tinubu’s decision to present Rivers’ ₦1.4 trillion budget directly to the National Assembly was calculated to:
Prevent any Wike-backed impeachment of Fubara,
Assert federal control, and
Recalibrate alliances in preparation for 2027.
With just days to Democracy Day, all eyes are now on Tinubu: Will he uphold the democratic ideals he once risked his life for — or allow the Rivers anomaly to continue?
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