In a defiant political move that signals another round of political rift in Rivers State, a coalition of elders and supporters has openly gone against the direction of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The group recently procured the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This delegation was led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Daring Fubara’s estranged political godfather, Abiante disclosed that leaders across the state took this decision in the overriding interest of the people.
The action follows a long-standing political crisis in Rivers State which began shortly after the 2023 elections.
While Fubara was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his supporters are increasingly leaning toward the APC as the 2027 cycle approaches.
Public Sentiment Drives Spontaneous Support for Sim
Abiante stated that the decision was driven purely by public sentiment rather than personal ambition or financial capacity.
He maintained that the gesture was neither unusual nor unprecedented within the country’s democratic culture.
“This is not new. Even at the national level, stakeholders have, in the past, procured nomination forms for preferred candidates. It is a democratic tradition rooted in collective will,” Abiante stated.
Furthermore, the lawmaker revealed that Fubara neither initiated nor influenced the move. He insisted it was a spontaneous decision by stakeholders who are determined to sustain the current trajectory of the state.
“It is not about how deep your pocket is. It is about what the people feel. And the people of Rivers State have made their position clear—they want continuity,” he added.
Abiante described the governor as humble and deeply attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens. He alleged that the governor’s leadership style has responded to the pains of the people with direct action.
“He did not send us. This is the voice of the people speaking through their leaders. We have come on their behalf,” the lawmaker concluded.
Women Groups Back Tinubu and Fubara Alliance
Meanwhile, the Rivers Women Unite for SIM has collaborated with the Renewed Hope Women of Faith in Politics. The coalition of women has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Fubara for a second term in office.
The group declared its support during a Praise Rally on Friday.
They described the decision as necessary for the continued implementation of a transformative agenda in Rivers State and at the national level.
“Right now Rivers State is not in the hands of man, but in the hands of God. And it is only God that will lead us, that will protect us,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
The coalition expressed confidence that the President and Governor would continue to work toward stability and progress.
Furthermore, they argued that denying them the opportunity to complete their progressive work would disrupt current gains.
“It is only God that will give us the Renewed Hope to support our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the President of this country, President Bola Tinubu,” the statement added.
The Renewed Hope Agenda is the central policy framework of the Tinubu administration.
By linking Fubara to this agenda, the women’s group is signaling a potential cross-party alliance that could reshape the 2027 elections.
Visible Progress in Neglected Communities
Highlighting the governor’s performance, Abiante pointed to visible progress in infrastructure and improved access to neglected communities.
He specifically mentioned the riverine areas that have historically faced isolation.
“In places like Andoni, access was a long-standing challenge. Within months, that narrative changed,” Abiante said.
He further stated that communities once cut off are now positioned to contribute meaningfully to the Blue Economy. This policy focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
“This is a leader who understands the pains of his people and responds with action,” the lawmaker explained.
The elders believe that the current leadership has fostered renewed economic opportunities that must be protected. Consequently, they are urging residents to exercise patience and support the consolidation of these achievements.
The group says it is confident that Rivers State is now on a path of prosperity.
Furthermore, they say they believe that a second term for both leaders will guarantee long-term stability for the South-South region.
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