FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has spoken about the political future of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara.

What he said

Responding to questions at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Wike reportedly said Fubara is a young man and cannot say his political future is gone. He said that not being a minister today does not mean he will not be one tomorrow.

Background

Fubara succeeded Wike as Rivers governor in 2023, but the two fell out soon afterwards, leading to a long political crisis in the state that included a period of emergency rule. The pair later reconciled, and Fubara has backed Wike's Rainbow Coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Fubara is not expected to seek a second term as governor in 2027, and Kingsley Chinda is the APC governorship candidate in the state, though a suit seeking to disqualify him is due for hearing on 10 December. At the same media chat, Wike denied any role in the court ruling that made Rochas Okorocha the APC's Imo West Senate candidate.

Why it matters

Wike's comments suggest that Fubara may be offered a role in the federal government in future, as part of the political arrangements in Rivers.

How people reacted

Supporters of both men welcomed the comments, while critics said Rivers politics was being decided by a few powerful figures.

A political group in Kogi State has come to the defence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate her.

What happened

The Obi–Kwankwaso Movement had reportedly called on the EFCC to look into a cash empowerment programme organised by the senator, who represents Kogi Central. In a statement on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the Kogi Central Progressive Elites, through its president, Abdullahi Omeiza, said the call was driven by political calculations rather than a genuine interest in accountability, and was aimed at limiting the senator's growing influence ahead of the 2027 elections. The group challenged the movement to submit any evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than make public declarations. The EFCC has not said whether it has received or acted on any petition.

Background

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator since 2023, has been in the news over a long dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her suspension from the Senate. She has a large following and has been involved in community programmes in her district. This week she said she follows the EFCC on social media because she wants Kogi to recover funds she said were owed to the state.

What happens next

It is not clear whether the EFCC will investigate. The senator has not publicly responded to the call.

Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno has declared Friday, 6 November 2026, a work-free day in the state ahead of a visit by President Bola Tinubu.

The visit

The governor made the announcement after inspecting projects lined up for commissioning during the visit, including the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, according to reports. He described the visit as timely and significant for the state's development and urged residents to come out and welcome the President. A rally in support of Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid is also planned.

Background

Eno was elected governor in 2023 on the PDP platform and later joined the APC. He is one of several governors who have defected to the ruling party and endorsed the President's re-election. The visit comes shortly after Tinubu returned from Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah. Uyo will also host the Super Eagles' AFCON qualifier against Tanzania on 13 November.

Reactions

Supporters welcomed the visit and the new projects.

Two-state trip

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President will leave Abuja on Friday for a two-day visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. After commissioning projects in Uyo, he will attend an APC rally in Port Harcourt, his third campaign outing since the start of his re-election drive.

What happens next

Security is expected to be tight in Uyo during the visit.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judicial officers for one year without pay over misconduct, according to reports on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The decisions

The decisions were taken at the council's 112th meeting on 3 November, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The council also issued cautions to eight others and approved warning letters to three judges following investigations into petitions about their conduct. The offences included unlawful detention of litigants, abuse of judicial authority and breaches of due process.

Who was suspended

Those suspended were reportedly Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir of the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal and Justice Sobere Biambo of the Rivers State High Court. The council said Justice Kabir ordered the arrest and detention of a litigant for 58 days over alleged disobedience of a court order without following proper contempt procedures, and barred her from consideration for promotion for three years. Grand Kadi Salihu was suspended over his role in reopening a judgment already delivered by an FCT Upper Area Court.

Background

The NJC is the body responsible for disciplining judges in Nigeria. Public trust in the judiciary has been a recurring concern, particularly over election cases and conflicting court orders. Civil society groups have repeatedly called on the council to act firmly against judicial misconduct ahead of the 2027 elections, when courts are expected to handle many disputes.

Why it matters

Observers say the decisions send a signal that judges will be held accountable for abusing their powers.