Amid Rivers Political Uncertainty, Elders Pick Governorship Form for Fubara

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

A delegation of elders and political leaders from Rivers State on Thursday moved to strengthen the re-election bid of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, purchasing his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

The group, led by a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said it was acting on behalf of the people of the state, insisting that the governor enjoys widespread grassroots backing despite ongoing political tensions.

Addressing journalists at the venue designated for the exercise by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja after completing the process, the delegation described the exercise as routine in Nigeria’s democratic cycle, noting that similar gestures had been undertaken in the past for other political leaders.

“It’s a normal process. Democracy has been here for quite some time, and it’s something that happens every four years,” Abiante said.

He dismissed suggestions that the move was unusual, arguing that party faithful and stakeholders often take the initiative in supporting candidates they believe have performed well in office.

The delegation maintained that the decision to procure the forms was driven by popular demand, adding that the governor himself was not directly involved in the move.

“This is about the people. If the people so decide, they will bear the burden of bringing you back to serve them,” he said.

Abiante pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects and improved access to previously underserved communities as evidence of the administration’s impact, citing road construction and economic initiatives in riverine areas.

According to him, the governor would seek a fresh mandate to consolidate on what he described as early gains in infrastructure, welfare and economic inclusion.

“Governor Fubara is focused. He is coming to consolidate on the gains already made and to do even more for the people,” he added.

The show of support comes against the backdrop of a protracted political rift between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The dispute, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, has centred on control of political structures in the state and has polarised key stakeholders within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers.

The face-off led to a division in the state House of Assembly and heightened political uncertainty, with both camps asserting influence over governance and party machinery.

Although reconciliation efforts have been made at various levels, including interventions by national party leaders and the presidency, the rivalry has persisted, shaping alignments ahead of the next election cycle.

The decision by elders to step forward and purchase nomination forms for Fubara signals an early mobilisation for 2027 and a strategic attempt to consolidate his support base amid the lingering power struggle.

The delegation insisted that the governor remains the preferred choice of the people, stressing that “he cannot run away from his people,” as they pledged to stand by him in the coming contest.