It’s no longer news that Rivers State Elders and stakeholders have drafted Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the 2027 gubernatorial race for Brick House under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
What is news however is whether he’ll accept to run for a second tenure contrary to his alleged agreement with his political godfather and current FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.
And whether he will be bold enough to commit the significant amount of resources needed to rapidly build a solid political structure capable of securing victory?
More importanty is the role of his core supporters – will they rise above personal interests, set aside greed and selfishness, and work collectively to strengthen his chances at the polls by harvesting more grassroots stakeholders?
Governor Siminalayi Fubara appears to have a strong chance of emerging as the APC governorship flag bearer, whether by consensus or direct primaries.
That’s why the Elders, without his consent went ahead to collect the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for him in order to draft him into the race.
They hinged their action on the collective yearnings of Rivers people who, according to them want Governor Fubara to serve his second tenure like his predecessors in office.
The elders led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member House of Representatives representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, purchased the form on behalf of the Governor.
In a statement, Hon Abiante described the action as a “compulsion” from the populace rather than a solicitation from the Governor himself.
He referred to it as a “people-funded” mandate, highlighting that the initiative was a grassroots endeavor, financed by contributions from everyday citizens throughout the state.
“He didn’t send us here,” Abiante asserted, adding: “It is only after this that he may even become aware that we have acquired the forms. We are compelling him. He cannot escape from his people.
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The lawmaker minimized the uniqueness of this initiative, pointing out that it aligns with established political customs, similar to when the Governance Advisory Council of Lagos obtained forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He contended that this act demonstrates that democracy is not determined by the “depth of one’s pocket,” but rather by the will of the people.
The delegation highlighted Fubara’s achievements in infrastructure and economic development as the main reasons for their endorsement.
When asked about the Governor’s position within the APC and the wider political context of Rivers State, Abiante stood firm, asserting that Fubara enjoys a “strong” support base despite outside opinions.
“This is the first time that the citizens of Rivers State have had someone who is committed to their service—a man who comprehends the struggles of the people,” he added.
Meanwhile, there is an uneasy calm among the supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State, over the purchase of the forms for the governor. .
