Anderson Cooper’s Take: The Political Storm Brewing In Rivers State

Former Minister Solomon Dalung Accuses Tinubu of Playing Politics in Rivers State

Listen, friends, here’s the story. Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, who’s also a lawyer by profession, has gone on record to say that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is nothing more than a political chess move. He believes this is all about setting the stage for the 2027 general elections, and let’s face it, politics can get messy. Dalung shared these thoughts in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune last Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he openly criticized Tinubu’s decision to suspend the governor, his deputy, and every single member of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. That’s a bold move, right there.

Now, rewind to March 18, when President Tinubu made the call to declare a state of emergency in Rivers. His explanation? Political instability and disruptions in governance. Sounds reasonable, but not everyone’s buying it. The president’s decision to sideline elected officials and appoint a sole administrator has sparked a mix of reactions. Some analysts are saying this is all part of a grand plan, a political masterstroke aimed at the next elections. And guess what? Dalung agrees.

Naija News reported that Dalung jumped into the debate, siding with those who believe the move is politically motivated. He questioned why Tinubu would bypass legal options and go for what he sees as an unlawful route. “I agree with those who are insinuating that it is 2027 in action. If it were not so, why did the president abandon the lawful options and embark on an unlawful option?” Dalung asked, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations across the country.

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Why Rivers State Matters in Nigerian Politics

Let me paint the bigger picture for you. Rivers State isn’t just any state—it’s a political powerhouse in Nigeria. Dalung emphasized this point, saying, “Rivers is a very strategic political community in Nigeria; their democracy is important in determining who becomes the president of Nigeria.” That’s a pretty big deal. The political dynamics in Rivers can influence the entire political landscape of the nation, and Tinubu knows it.

Here’s the kicker: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who’s part of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been distancing himself from President Tinubu’s influence. Dalung sees this as a significant blow to Tinubu’s political strategy. “Having lost Rivers to Fubara, who has now refused to do the bidding of his godfather, the president knows that his stronghold has been reducing,” Dalung explained. It’s not just about Rivers; it’s about the shifting alliances in other key states like Kano and Lagos, which are all part of Tinubu’s political puzzle.

Is Tinubu Preparing for the 2027 Elections?

Dalung believes that Tinubu’s actions in Rivers are a clear sign that the president has his eyes set on the 2027 elections. “No doubt, 2027 is in focus,” he concluded, suggesting that Tinubu’s moves are carefully calculated to strengthen his influence ahead of the next electoral cycle. With the political landscape changing rapidly, the stakes are higher than ever, and every decision made today could shape the future of Nigeria’s leadership. So, as we watch this political drama unfold, one thing is certain: the next few years will be crucial for Nigerian politics, and Rivers State will undoubtedly play a central role in the story.