President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the recent Supreme Court order concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of key allies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In what has become one of the most talked-about political developments in Nigeria this year, Tinubu outlined five key reasons for supporting the court’s decision — and they paint a bigger picture of his approach to governance and party discipline.
1. Respect for the Rule of Law
First and foremost, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. By backing the Supreme Court’s ruling, Tinubu is signaling that no one, regardless of their political affiliation or position, is above the law. “We can’t afford to play politics with the judiciary,” a source close to the presidency stated. “Tinubu is making it clear that legal decisions must be respected, even when they’re inconvenient.”
In a political landscape often marred by executive interference, Tinubu’s position is being seen as a step toward reinforcing the independence of the judiciary.
2. Protecting Party Unity
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has exposed deep divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Tinubu is reportedly concerned about the long-term effects on party cohesion. According to insiders, the president believes that enforcing discipline—through legal channels, if necessary—is crucial to keeping the party intact.
The suspension of Fubara’s loyalists is seen by many as an attempt to restore order and send a message that internal chaos won’t be tolerated, especially with major national challenges on the table.
3. Preventing a Breakdown of Governance
With political tension escalating in Rivers State, there’s growing concern that the infighting could bring government activity to a standstill. Tinubu reportedly fears that the dispute could spiral into a larger crisis, affecting governance, service delivery, and public trust.
By supporting the Supreme Court’s intervention, the president hopes to de-escalate the situation before it leads to a full-blown breakdown in administrative function within one of Nigeria’s most economically important states.
4. Sending a Message to Other Governors
Sources close to Aso Rock say Tinubu’s support for the suspension isn’t just about Fubara—it’s also a warning to other governors and politicians across the country. The president wants to set a precedent: reckless political behavior and defiance of party processes will have consequences.
By backing the legal action, Tinubu is reinforcing the idea that political loyalty must be balanced with discipline and that governors are not free to act unilaterally when it threatens party or national stability.
5. Strategic Control Ahead of 2027
While 2027 might still seem far off, political observer
Why Tinubu Is Backing the Supreme Court Over Fubara’s Suspension — 5 Key Reasons
The political drama in Rivers State just took another twist — and President Bola Tinubu is right in the middle of it. After the Supreme Court ordered the suspension of some top allies of Governor Sim Fubara, many Nigerians wondered where Tinubu would stand. Now it’s clear: he’s backing the court’s decision.
But why? What’s really going on behind the scenes? Here are five big reasons why Tinubu is supporting the Supreme Court’s move—and what it could mean for Rivers State and Nigerian politics as a whole.
1. Tinubu Wants the Rule of Law to Come First
Whether you like Tinubu or not, he’s trying to send a strong message here: court rulings matter. In a country where politicians often ignore the courts when it suits them, Tinubu is backing the Supreme Court to show that no one is above the law—not even powerful governors or political allies.
This is about more than Rivers State. It’s about setting a tone for how he wants things to work across the country.2. He’s Trying to Keep the APC from Falling Apart
Let’s be honest—there’s serious tension in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the crisis in Rivers is making it worse. Tinubu knows that if the internal fighting continues, it could weaken the party ahead of future elections.
By supporting the court’s decision to suspend Fubara’s allies, Tinubu is trying to calm things down and show that there are consequences for going against the party’s structure.
3. It’s About Keeping the Government Running
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most important states—economically and politically. But the infighting has gotten so intense that basic governance is starting to suffer.
Tinubu is reportedly worried that if he doesn’t step in (or support the court stepping in), things could spiral out of control. Backing the suspension might be his way of stopping a bigger crisis from exploding.
4. It’s a Warning to Other Governors
This move isn’t just aimed at Fubara. Tinubu is also sending a quiet but clear message to other governors around the country: stick to the rules.
If anyone thought they could challenge the party’s authority or run their states like personal empires, this is a reminder that there’s still a chain of command—and that Tinubu is watching.
5. He’s Already Thinking About 2027
Yes, it’s still early, but make no mistake—2027 is on the president’s mind. Controlling powerful states like Rivers is key to keeping his political grip strong for the next election cycle.
By stepping in now and showing that he can manage internal crises, Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a smoother path to re-election—or at least to maintaining influence in the years ahead.
As things stand, the political tension in Rivers is far from over. But one thing is clear: Tinubu is playing the long game, and he’s not afraid to make bold moves to protect his authority and the future of his party.
Will it work? Time will tell. But for now, all eyes are on Rivers—and on Tinubu’s next move.