- Political feuds between former governors and their successors have continued to destabilise Nigeria's democracy
- The ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike in Rivers State is a stark example
- TheRadar compiled 12 other prominent examples of such fallout, to further emphasise the ongoing issue
The growing trend of political clashes between governors and their predecessors has become a recurring issue in Nigeria's political system, evolving into a troubling tradition that leaves a bitter taste with the people who elected them and threatens stable governance.
A notable example of this trend is the ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, who also served as Fubara's political mentor, has found himself at the centre of a bitter power struggle.
The dispute escalated when lawmakers loyal to Wike, who is now the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara. This power struggle sharply divided the 31-member Rivers State Assembly, leading to the formation of two factions along rival political lines.
Such conflicts highlight the volatile nature of local politics and point to broader challenges within Nigeria’s democratic system. The constant jockeying for power among political elites across states serves as a stark reminder of the persistent struggles undermining the country's political stability.
To further emphasise the widespread nature of this issue, TheRadar has compiled 12 other prominent examples of former governors and their successors falling out.
1. Abia State: Orji Uzor Kalu vs. Theodore Orji
Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu handpicked Theodore Orji as his successor in 2007. However, after Orji switched parties from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), tensions flared. The rift became so intense that Kalu was forced to leave the state for months out of fear of retaliation.
2. Akwa Ibom State: Godswill Akpabio vs Udom Emmanuel
In 2015, Godswill Akpabio, then Governor of Akwa Ibom, selected his commissioner, Udom Emmanuel, as his successor. However, their political relationship deteriorated within a year, leading Akpabio to leave the PDP and join the APC. Despite Akpabio's shift, Udom Emmanuel secured re-election in 2019 and transferred power to his chosen successor in 2023.
3. Anambra State: Peter Obi vs Willie Obiano
Former Governor Peter Obi supported Willie Obiano, his ally in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to win the governorship in 2014. However, their relationship soured soon after, with Obi leaving APGA for the PDP. Obi's efforts to challenge Obiano in the 2017 elections failed, as Obiano secured a second term.
4. Benue State: George Akume vs Gabriel Suswam
In 2007, Senator George Akume helped Gabriel Suswam secure the governorship of Benue State. However, their relationship quickly soured, leading Akume to leave the PDP for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Akume later supported Samuel Ortom in 2015, but Ortom too eventually clashed with Akume, switching from the APC to the PDP. Akume, in turn, helped produce Hyacinth Alia as governor in 2023, continuing his influence in the state.
5. Borno State: Ali Modu Sheriff vs Kashim Shettima
Senator Ali Modu Sheriff supported Kashim Shettima’s rise to the governorship in 2011, but their relationship broke down after Shettima took office. The rivalry led to Sheriff’s defection from the APC to the PDP. However, Shettima served two terms and later successfully handed over to Babagana Zulum as his successor.
6. Cross River State: Liyel Imoke vs Ben Ayade
In 2015, Liyel Imoke supported Senator Ben Ayade to become governor. Their relationship deteriorated when Ayade sought to assert his influence within the party, leading to a split that saw Ayade join the APC. Imoke had also clashed with his predecessor, Donald Duke, who left politics for a time due to their rift.
7. Ebonyi State: Sam Egwu vs Martins Elechi
Sam Egwu initially supported Martins Elechi as his successor in Ebonyi State, but their relationship soured shortly after Elechi took office. In 2015, Egwu helped derail Elechi's bid to produce his successor, ultimately backing the election of Dave Umahi. Umahi later clashed with Egwu and saw that Francis Nwifuru emerged as his successor.
8. Edo State: Adams Oshiomhole vs Godwin Obaseki
In 2018, Adams Oshiomhole campaigned vigorously for Godwin Obaseki to succeed him as governor. However, their relationship quickly broke down, culminating in a fierce battle that involved disqualifying Obaseki from the APC primaries. Obaseki eventually left for the PDP and won re-election, while Oshiomhole’s influence waned within the state.
9. Enugu State: Chimaroke Nnamani vs Sullivan Chime
In 2007, Chimaroke Nnamani supported Sullivan Chime to succeed him as governor, but their alliance quickly turned sour. Chime banned the influential Ebeano group, once led by Nnamani, sparking a political battle that saw Nnamani lose his senatorial mandate. Chime later handed over power to Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in 2015, who in turn transferred power to the current governor, Emeka Mbah.
10. Kano State: Rabiu Kwankwaso vs Umar Ganduje
Rabiu Kwankwaso and Umar Ganduje were once a formidable political duo in Kano State, but their relationship deteriorated after Kwankwaso’s second term as governor. Their rift led to significant political casualties including the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido. In 2023, Kwankwaso threw all his weight behind the candidate from his party NNPP, Abba Yusuf, to succeed Ganduje. Gawuna Yusuf, who is from the same party as Ganduje, lost as Kwankwaso had the last laugh.
11. Sokoto State: Aliyu Wamakko vs Aminu Tambuwal
Aliyu Wamakko supported Aminu Tambuwal’s bid for the governorship of Sokoto State in 2015. However, their relationship soon fractured, leading to Tambuwal returning to the PDP after initially joining the APC. Despite this, Tambuwal won re-election in 2019, but Wamakko’s influence remained dominant and his party won the 2023 governorship election.
12. Zamfara State: Dauda Lawal Dare vs Bello Matawalle
In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare engaged in a political fight with his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, over various issues, including the results of the 2023 governorship election.
Mamman, Melaye, 3 other Nigerian politicians who have collapsed in face of corruption allegations
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that collapsing in the face of law by politicians was quite a trend in Nigeria political system.
Ex-minister of Power Saleh Mamman joined the exclusive club by collapsing during his arraignment for an alleged N33 billion fraud. TheRadar compiled other politicians who were also known for their dramatic collapsing.