Fubara Snr Declares Rivers Governorship Bid for 2027 Election, Party Unveiled

Blessing Fubara, elder brother of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declared his intention to contest the 2027 Rivers State governorship election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking ahead of the party’s primaries, Fubara criticized the current state of Rivers, describing it as distressed and impoverished, and pledged to restore peace, economic prosperity, and political stability if elected. He claimed support from over two million NDC members across the state’s 23 local government areas and urged active participation in the primaries. The NDC has confirmed that its presidential, governorship, national assembly, and state assembly primaries will take place nationwide on May 29, 2026. The party cited logistical challenges, including disruptions from the Sallah public holidays, as reasons for adjusting the original May 28–29 timeline. The primaries will proceed as scheduled despite these obstacles, according to a statement signed by national chairman Moses Cleopas and national secretary Ikenna Enekweizu. Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, stating that leadership requires sacrifice and personal ambition must yield to the greater good of Rivers State. The APC clarified that the governor voluntarily withdrew after passing the party’s screening process and was neither disqualified nor forced out. Minister Nyesom Wike commented that Fubara’s withdrawal was unsurprising, as the governor had previously agreed to drop impeachment talks and avoid seeking a second term. Fubara’s decision to switch parties comes amid growing political tensions in Rivers State, where economic challenges and governance disputes have intensified. His candidacy under the NDC marks a significant shift, as he now aligns with an opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC’s primaries will determine whether Fubara secures the party’s nomination to challenge incumbent or aspiring candidates in the governorship race.