The political atmosphere of Rivers State, which has been enmeshed in confusion and seeming inactivity is set to swing into life and boisterious activities if alleged report that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has released a list of candidates loyal to him to contest house of assembly election under the All Progressive Congress APC platform in the coming 2027 election is confirmed.
Unverified stories flooded the social media late Saturday, purporting that Governor Fubara had endorsed 32 politicians from the 23 local government areas of the state who will fly the flag of the APC, mostly at the state house of assembly with all the members coming from the governor’s political family.
The list is led by key Fubara loyalists Amb. Ihunwo Chijioke and Rt Hon Victor Oko Jumbo, signaling the governor’s intent to lock down the state legislature and directly challenge Wike’s long-held grip as political leader.
The endorsement, which was allegedly made by Fubara without any resort to Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike has been described by observers as capable deepening the rift between the two political gladiators whose quarrel has kept Rivers as the political hot bed since October, 2023.
Fubara’s endorsement list is being read as an outright challenge to Wike’s dominance in Rivers politics. If the lineup holds, 2027 may not be “business as usual” in the state.
The governor’s preferred candidates span all three senatorial districts, with allies strategically placed across key constituencies.
Political observers say the list reflects Fubara’s play to secure a loyal majority in the assembly ahead of next year’s polls.
The move comes as Fubara’s allies and caucus secure his nomination form for a return to the Brick House, with political watchers saying the pendulum may be swinging in his favour.
The allies are led by member of the House of Representatives for Andoni-Opopo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Awaji-Inonbek Abiente.
Addressing journalists after acquiring the N50-million form Hon. Abiante, said the move was part of a democratic tradition rather than an extraordinary political maneuver.
He explained that though they didn’t seek Governor Fubara’s consent before purchasing the form their intention was to encourage him to seek a second term in office, describing his candidacy as a “popular mandate”, adding that that the Governor has little room to decline the call.
He maintained that the initiative did not originate from the Governor but was driven by grassroots support across the state.
Hon. Abiente said; “This is not unusual. Democracy requires participation, and this process recurs every four years.
“What matters is the will of the people, and Rivers people have made their position clear,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with past political precedents, Hon. Abiante referenced how nomination forms were previously secured for Bola Tinubu by political allies, noting that such actions reflect established political culture.
According to him, the funds used to procure the forms were raised through small contributions from supporters, underscoring what he described as a “people-powered” movement.
“He did not send us, but he cannot turn his back on the people. This is a collective decision by Rivers people,” Abiante said.
The group justified its stance by citing what it described as the administration’s developmental strides, including infrastructure projects and expanded access to previously underserved communities.
Among the projects highlighted were the Trans-Kalabari road initiative and improvements in road connectivity in areas such as Andoni.
They also pointed to efforts to develop coastal communities and promote economic opportunities linked to Nigeria’s blue economy, alongside increased visibility through international events.
