Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, don tok say im no be surprise for di decision of Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from di All Progressives Congress governorship primary election for Rivers State.
Di development come days afta Kingsley Chinda, wey be House of Representatives member and ally of Wike, emerge winner of di Rivers APC governorship primary wey dem hold on May 21.
Speakin on Monday while dem dey inspect infrastructure projects for Abuja, Wike tok say Chinda get di necessary experience to govern Rivers State, as e mention say Chinda don work for both legislative and executive matters.
Wike add say: “In di first place, e no suppose don collect di APC nomination form because di agreement wey dem reach be say impeachment should be dropped, while e also no suppose talk about second tenure.”
Di political crisis between Wike and Fubara don dey persist for many months, with both sides locked for prolonged power struggle wey lead to attempts by some lawmakers to impeach di governor.
Many of di Rivers State legislators wey support di impeachment process dey considered as allies of di former Rivers governor.
Wike don earlier vow to oppose Fubara’s re-election ambition, as e accuse di governor of breaching peace agreement wey dem reportedly sign by both parties afta di intervention of Bola Tinubu.
Meanwhile, as Rivers State dey move steadily toward di 2027 governorship election, one socio-political group wey dem dey call ‘Reclaim Rivers Advocates’ don call for people-driven governor beyond godfatherism for di state.
Di Chairman of di group, George Awaji, and Secretary Mina Green, during press briefing for Port Harcourt, tok say di governorship candidate of di Nigerian Democratic Congress, Blessing Fubara Snr, don continue to reshape political conversations across di state, especially among youths, professionals and citizens wey dey search for credible alternative.
Awaji express say: “Followin di successful screening of aspirants and di anticipated party primaries, one name continue to generate increasin momentum across di political landscape, Blessing Fubara of di NDC.”
Di group stress say, unlike many politicians wey often dey associate with elite bargainin, transactional politics and entrenched godfatherism, Fubara dey increasingly seen as representin fresh political direction rooted for grassroots acceptance, independent leadership and people-focused governance.
“Compared with contenders like Gabriel Pidomson and Kingsley Chinda, Blessing Fubara appear more aligned with di current mood and expectations of Rivers people. At a time when many citizens desire courage, accessibility and innovative leadership, im profile continue to resonate strongly across different demographic,” di group tok.
Di group explain say one of Fubara’s greatest political strengths remain im growin connection with young people. “Across di state, youths dey increasingly drawn to leaders wey dem perceive as relatable, less controlled by entrenched interests and more committed to economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive governance.”
“Im message of restorin di soul of Rivers State and returnin governance to di people don further strengthen im grassroots appeal.”
“E dey also attractin support from politically conscious voters and reform-minded citizens wey dey seek alternatives outside traditional power structures. Im image as less transactional and more reform-oriented politician clearly distinguish am from rivals wey dem often perceive as products of conventional political arrangements,” di group say.
Di group continue say while oda aspirants fit possess established structures and political experience, Fubara appear to command stronger emotional connection with ordinary citizens, particularly first-time voters and youths wey increasingly see am as symbol of renewal, accountability and generational change.
According to di group, beyond politics, supporters dey point to Fubara’s administrative exposure, developmental outlook and understanding of Rivers State’s economic realities as qualities wey dey strengthen im candidacy.
Dem declare: “Many believe say e possess di vision wey dey required to drive stability, infrastructure renewal, economic growth and investor confidence across di state. For many observers, di political equation dey become increasingly clear: while oda people rely heavily on structures and political privilege, Blessing Fubara continue to build organic momentum powered by public sentiment, grassroots acceptance and di growin desire for new political culture for Rivers State.”
