The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the recent political reconciliation involving Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu, saying while the development could help restore peace in the state, Nigerians should focus on whether it would ultimately serve the interests of the people.
The opposition party said the reconciliation should not be viewed simply as the resolution of a political dispute among influential figures but as an opportunity to restore democratic governance, strengthen institutions and improve the welfare of Rivers residents after months of political uncertainty.
In a statement, the ADC noted that the prolonged crisis in Rivers State was marked by a struggle for political control, loyalty and influence, resulting in disruptions to governance and creating uncertainty for residents.
According to the party, although the latest understanding among the key political actors may ease tensions, it does not automatically address the underlying concerns of the people.
“The new political understanding involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu may calm the crisis in Rivers State, but Nigerians should look beyond the handshakes,” the statement said.
The party argued that the central issue should be whether the reconciliation advances the interests of Rivers people or merely resolves differences among powerful politicians.
“What exactly has been reconciled: the interests of Rivers people or the interests of powerful politicians?” the ADC asked.
It observed that throughout the political crisis, ordinary citizens bore the consequences of the standoff while political leaders continued their contest for control.
“For months, governance was disrupted by a struggle over control, loyalty and political structures. Now, the same actors appear capable of reaching accommodation when their survival and future calculations are at stake.
“That contrast is revealing,” the party stated.
The ADC said the experience highlighted the need for political leaders to place public interest above personal or factional considerations.
It stressed that ordinary workers, traders, students, business owners and communities could not be expected to bear the burden of prolonged political disagreements only to be presented with elite settlements whose terms remain unclear.
“Ordinary workers, traders, students and communities cannot suspend their lives whenever political godfathers disagree, then applaud when elite negotiations restore peace without explaining what changed,” the statement added.
The party maintained that genuine peace in Rivers State should go beyond the absence of political conflict and instead translate into stronger democratic institutions and better governance.
According to the ADC, the people of Rivers State deserve a government that functions effectively regardless of political disagreements among leaders.
“Rivers State deserves stability, but stability must mean functioning institutions, an independent governor, accountable lawmakers and development that reaches the people. It must not become another arrangement in which elected authority is negotiated behind closed doors,” the party said.
The ADC also said the reconciliation should be followed by concrete actions that would restore public confidence in governance, strengthen accountability and ensure that elected officials remain answerable to the electorate rather than political power brokers.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the opposition party said it intends to provide Rivers voters with an alternative political platform built on accountability, transparency and citizen-focused leadership.
“ADC should offer Rivers voters a different political culture ahead of 2027: leadership that answers to citizens rather than private power blocs,” it stated.
The party said political stability should not come at the expense of democratic principles, insisting that elected leaders derive their legitimacy from the people and should govern in accordance with that mandate.
It concluded by reiterating that while the restoration of peace in Rivers State is welcome, democracy should remain the overriding objective.
“Peace is welcome. But democracy is bigger than a truce among powerful men,” the statement said.