RIVERS 2027: POWER PLAY, PARTY REALIGNMENT AND GOV. FUBARA’S RE-ELECTION STRATEGY
By Emeka Amaefula
Fresh political signals are emerging around the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, offering insight into how Governor Siminalayi Fubara may be positioning himself to remain at Brick House, the seat of political power in the state. Developments within the national political space suggest that key alignments and strategic decisions could play a defining role in his re-election prospects.
Central to this unfolding narrative is Governor Fubara’s reported move toward the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party led at the national level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Political observers note that such a realignment places the Rivers governor within the broader APC power structure ahead of the next general elections. Closely linked to this is his association with the APC Governors’ Forum, chaired by Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State, a bloc that has increasingly become influential in shaping party direction and intergovernmental consensus.
Sources within Abuja indicate that President Tinubu has, in recent engagements, emphasized continuity and internal party stability, with indications that first-term governors are likely to be supported for second terms, provided they align with party expectations and governance priorities. While this position has not been formally codified, it has fueled speculation across political circles and strengthened the confidence of incumbents seeking re-election in 2027.
In Rivers State, APC stakeholders describe Governor Fubara as having been formally presented and accepted into the party’s national fold, a development symbolically marked by his engagement with President Tinubu through the leadership of the APC Governors’ Forum. With this, insiders say, the governor is now fully integrated into high-level consultations, participating in collective decision-making alongside other APC governors.
A presidential source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintained that the prevailing strategy within the party favors giving first-term governors the opportunity to complete a second tenure, describing it as part of a broader effort to promote political stability. Supporters of this approach argue that it reflects the practical realities of governance and party cohesion.
As the 2027 contest draws closer, analysts say the unfolding scenario underscores what many consider the enduring lesson of Nigerian politics: strategic alignment, timing, and adherence to the unwritten rules of the game often matter as much as popular appeal. In the evolving Rivers State equation, all eyes remain on how these dynamics will ultimately shape the battle for Brick House.
But with the political battle now ongoing against the return of governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara back for a second term in office, pro Wike lawmakers are allegedly talking tough regarding his rough handling of state matters which led to the development in the last two years of First term in office of the governor of Rivers State.
So, with the well calculated defection and his acceptance into the APC Governors’ Forum definitely Rivers State Brick House will be retained by All Progressives Congress APC with Governor Siminalayi Fubara making a loud come back that will silence his political detractors.
—– Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—-
