2027: Rivers Power Play Intensifies as Pro-Fubara Bloc Forces APC Ticket Move
The political temperature in Rivers State surged on Tuesday as a powerful bloc of elders and stakeholders moved to lock in Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term, dramatically purchasing his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what observers describe as a bold show of grassroots political muscle.
The high-stakes move, executed in Abuja, signals an early consolidation of forces ahead of the 2027 governorship race and underscores intensifying realignments within Rivers’ complex political landscape.
Leading the delegation, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante declared that the action was not initiated by the governor but imposed by popular demand.
“He didn’t send us here. It is after now that he may even know that we have procured the forms. We are compelling him. He cannot run away from his people,” Abiante said.
Framing the move as a direct expression of the people’s will, the lawmaker insisted the initiative was entirely citizen-driven, funded through contributions across the state.
“This is not about money or political elites. It is about the will of the people. Democracy must reflect what the people want, not who can afford it,” he added.
Drawing parallels with past political precedents, Abiante argued that such interventions are rooted in Nigeria’s political culture, where influential blocs step in to draft leaders they consider indispensable.
At the heart of the push is what supporters describe as Fubara’s performance record, which they say has reshaped governance expectations in the oil-rich state. The delegation pointed to signature infrastructure projects and economic initiatives as justification for their decisive action.
Among them is the long-delayed Trans-Kalabari Road, alongside new access routes to previously hard-to-reach communities such as Andoni. They also highlighted the administration’s focus on developing a “blue economy” framework aimed at unlocking maritime potential and boosting tourism.
“This is the only time Rivers people have had a leader who understands their pains and is committed to real service,” Abiante stated.
Despite ongoing political tensions and shifting alliances within the state, the group projected confidence in Fubara’s political strength, dismissing concerns about internal party dynamics.
“His support base is firm. The people are solidly behind him,” he said.
The move is widely interpreted as an early warning shot to rivals and a signal that key stakeholders are determined to shape the succession battle well ahead of party primaries.
With the 2027 elections still on the horizon, the unfolding developments suggest that Rivers State may once again emerge as a central battleground in Nigeria’s high-stakes political contest, with loyalty, performance, and grassroots mobilization set to define the race.
