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

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Former governorship candidate Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu has linked the ongoing political standoff in Rivers State to the pervasive influence of money in Nigerian politics, arguing that democratic stability will remain elusive until financial pressures on politicians are minimized.

Speaking on Arise News, she suggested that the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is motivated less by ideology and more by monetary interests.

“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,” Sarumi Aliyu stated.

She explained that the enormous costs of running for office fuel godfatherism and post-election disputes.

“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,” she added.

Pre-Election Agreements Often Collapse

Sarumi Aliyu revealed that informal agreements between candidates and sponsors frequently break down after elections.

“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, highlighting the destabilizing effects on democracy.

Reflecting on her own political journey, she noted that she personally encountered similar 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, emphasizing that she rejected such 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 added.

Godfathers Should Guide, Not Control

Sarumi Aliyu also weighed in on political mentorship. She affirmed that while she benefited from guidance, it never turned into control.

“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.

Regarding the current Rivers crisis, she observed that internal party infighting could present strategic openings for the opposition if citizens are not harmed.

“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 noted, adding that the ADC has opportunities 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.

Criticism of the Ruling Party

Sarumi Aliyu also criticized contradictions in the ruling party’s actions.

“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 recommended de-escalation to maintain strategic advantage.

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

ADC Reforms and Inclusion

On party reforms, Sarumi Aliyu highlighted the ADC’s commitment to 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.

She explained her own reason for joining the party:

“I joined ADC because I believe they will allow women to contest freely. And we are ready to contest.”

She emphasized a merit-based approach over favoritism.

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

Opposition Strategy

Sarumi Aliyu dismissed the relevance of the Peoples Democratic Party in future elections.

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

She stressed the importance of unity within opposition forces 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 concluded.

Finally, she warned that unless structural reforms, transparent primaries, and the reduction of financial influence occur, Nigerian politics will continue cycling through crises rather than solving them.

Commentary

Political analysts note that Sarumi Aliyu’s observations highlight a recurring issue in Nigerian politics: the pervasive role of financial power in shaping governance outcomes. The Rivers State situation exemplifies how post-election dynamics often revolve around money rather than ideology, impacting both administrative effectiveness and voter trust. Observers also emphasize that opposition unity, youth engagement, and women’s participation are critical levers for altering the political landscape ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.