The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a dangerous precedent that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and encourage federal overreach.
Siminalayi Fubara, who had been suspended in March, was called back by President Bola Tinubu to resume his constitutional duties on Thursday 18th September 2025.
However, the party lambasted Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State describing it as a political crisis.
Warning that the development posed a serious risk to constitutional governance and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
In a statement on Thursday, 18th September, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed his concern over the President’s approach to resolving the conflict in Rivers State,
Saying it raised questions about the proper limits of executive authority.
Abdullahi said the move was more about ‘political strategy’ than genuine efforts to strengthen democracy.
“On Wednesday, 17 September, Nigerians witnessed a curious spectacle:
President Tinubu directing the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State Assembly in Rivers State to,
‘resume’ duties after serving his six-month suspension from office,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, Tinubu’s actions amounted to assuming powers not granted to the presidency under the constitution, thereby undermining the rule of law and the democratic process.
“The President’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State is highly autocratic and should be recognised and condemned as a threat to our democracy,” Abdullahi stated.
