Fubara’s Impeachment Crisis: “It All Boils Down to Money” – Former Governorship Candidate

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Former governorship candidate Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu has attributed the political turmoil in Rivers State to Nigeria’s deeply entrenched money-driven politics, insisting that democratic stability will remain elusive until financial influence is reduced in the political system.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Friday, Sarumi Aliyu argued that the conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is not ideological but financially motivated.

“I have always maintained since joining politics that money politics must stop. If you look closely at what is happening, it’s all about money,” she said.

She explained that the high financial stakes involved in elections encourage godfatherism and post-election power tussles.

“In Nigeria, becoming a governor requires spending billions of naira. Naturally, there will be drama afterward. Someone bankrolls your emergence, and the same person then wants to dictate your every move,” Sarumi Aliyu noted.

She added that secret agreements are often reached before elections, but once power is attained, those commitments collapse.

“There is usually an arrangement: ‘Once I install you as governor, you will do X, Y, and Z.’ But after taking office, the person either forgets who supported them or decides to pursue a different agenda,” she said, calling the situation shameful and damaging to the nation’s democracy.

Drawing from personal experience, she revealed she faced the same pressures while running for governor.

“I experienced it firsthand. I was told bluntly that without paying people to vote, I would never win,” she disclosed.

She emphasized that she refused those conditions.

“I told them not to bother. When Nigerians are ready to elect a credible leader who will govern with integrity and not serve as a puppet, I’ll be available,” she said.

Godfathers Should Guide, Not Manipulate

Addressing the topic of political godfatherism, Sarumi Aliyu clarified that while she had mentors, they never attempted to control her actions.

“I had godfathers and godmothers, but they were supportive, not oppressive. I had good people like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Yeye Alabalosun,” she said.

Speaking on the ongoing Rivers political standoff, the former candidate — now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — said internal infighting within the ruling party could play to the advantage of the opposition, provided it does not harm the citizens.

“As a strategist for my party, it is beneficial if the crisis continues, as long as the people of Rivers State are not negatively affected,” she said.

She insisted that the situation provides an opportunity for the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.

“You can see the opening. It’s time for our ADC candidates in Rivers to step up and position themselves for a takeover in 2027,” she urged.

Sarumi Aliyu Accuses Ruling Party of Contradictions

Sarumi Aliyu criticized what she described as contradictory behavior by the ruling party.

“It was wrong for the ruling party to initially back Minister Wike, declare a state of emergency, and make a sitting governor appear powerless. Now the governor aligns with them, yet the minister still pursues him,” she said.

She advised the political actors involved to de-escalate tensions.

“To be strategic, they should stop the internal conflict and focus on securing re-election,” she added.

ADC Must Deliver On Youth and Women Inclusion

Speaking on internal reforms within her party, she stressed that the ADC’s ongoing constitution review must translate into genuine youth and women inclusion.

“ADC promised 30 percent slots for women and 30 percent for youths. If they fulfill this, it’s a win. If they fail, it will backfire,” she warned.

Discussing why she joined the party, she said, “I joined ADC because I believe they will allow women to contest freely. And we are ready to contest.”

She rejected the idea of asking aspirants to step down for preferred candidates.

“I don’t believe in stepping down for anyone. Everyone should enter the race. No favoritism,” she insisted.

Opposition Must Unite or Risk Losing Again

Commenting on the broader opposition landscape, Sarumi Aliyu dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party, saying it no longer has relevance.

“We cannot have three parties competing. It must be APC versus ADC. PDP is finished,” she declared.

She stressed that unity among opposition forces is essential to challenge the ruling party effectively.

“If we don’t get it right now, we won’t be able to remove the ruling party. We need to come together and build strength,” she said.

Sarumi Aliyu concluded by stating that without structural reforms, credible primaries, and the reduction of monetary influence, Nigeria will continue to recycle political crises rather than solve them.