Why Tinubu's 2027 Election Hopes Could Be In Jeopardy

Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe: Tinubu's Strategy to Silence Political Opponents

Listen, here's a story you need to hear. Niger Delta activist Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe has come out swinging against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling out what he sees as a calculated move to silence political foes. According to Sara-Igbe, the president's handling of the crisis in Rivers State isn't about solving problems—it's about wielding power to suppress dissent. And let me tell you, this is a big deal.

On March 20, 2025, during a fiery appearance on Arise TV, Sara-Igbe went after Tinubu for suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. He argued that the president doesn't have the constitutional authority to make such a drastic decision. Now, this isn't just a legal argument—it's a question of whether the president is overstepping his boundaries to serve his own political agenda.

Where's the Accountability for Wike?

But it doesn't stop there. Sara-Igbe also took aim at Tinubu for not holding his own minister, Nyesom Wike, accountable for the chaos in the Niger Delta and beyond. Think about it: if there's unrest in the region, shouldn't those responsible be held to account? Instead, according to Sara-Igbe, Wike is getting a free pass while others face the consequences.

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It's worth noting that Sara-Igbe labels Tinubu's actions as unlawful. He believes the president's decision to suspend Fubara wasn't about governance—it was about weakening opposition parties. This is a serious accusation, and it raises questions about the president's motives. Is this about good governance, or is it about political maneuvering?

Section 305: A Tool Misused?

Sara-Igbe points out that the section 305 invoked by the president to suspend Fubara should have been used elsewhere—in the northern regions, where bandits and terrorists are wreaking havoc. Instead, it was applied in Rivers State, where the situation, by all accounts, was calm. That's a pretty bold statement, and it highlights a deeper issue: are these emergency measures being used appropriately, or are they being weaponized for political gain?

Here's what Sara-Igbe had to say: "In the case of Rivers State, there’s no war, no fight, the whole place is quiet and yet a state of emergency was declared. Not only that, an elected governor was suspended, the House of Assembly was also suspended. This is somehow not proper, it’s an illegal action." He adds, "Mr President seems to be desperate to whip opponents to their knees and Wike is the hatchet man of Mr President."

Before Fubara's suspension, Sara-Igbe recalls that during a meeting between Niger Delta leaders and Tinubu, the president singled out Fubara for blame while letting his own minister off the hook. Now, that paints a pretty clear picture of favoritism and selective justice, doesn't it?

In the end, this debate isn't just about Rivers State—it's about the principles of democracy and fairness in governance. As we move closer to the 2027 elections, these questions will only become more pressing. Is Tinubu building a legacy of strong leadership, or is he paving the way for a more contentious political landscape? Only time will tell.