Ayodele Arise, a former senator and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has argued that the six-month emergency rule declaration in Rivers State will not affect President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District, said this while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He argued that Tinubu’s timely intervention in Rivers presented the state from sliding into chaos politically.
The former lawmaker noted that before the emergency rule, political tensions in the state had escalated, leading to violent incidents and threats to vital infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
According to him, Rivers remains strategic to Nigeria’s economy and that peace in the state was crucial for the oil and gas sector.
Weighing in on political implications, Arise dismissed suggestions that the decision would cost President Tinubu support in Rivers State.
The APC stalwart further stated that the APC has strengthened its grassroots structures, citing the party’s performance in the 2024 presidential election and recent local government polls.
He noted that both Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have roles to play in ensuring peace and stability in the state, while also emphasizing their influence in shaping grassroots politics ahead of 2027.
