By Emeka Amaefula
“HE DIDN’T SEND US ”: GROUP PROCURES APC FORMS FOR SIMINALAYI FUBARA
A coalition of elders and political stakeholders in Rivers State has formally signalled support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s re-election bid, procuring his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election.
The initiative, undertaken by prominent figures including Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, Chief (Dr.)Ambrose Nwuzi Hon. Awaji- Inombek Abiante and others operating under the aegis of the Rivers State Elders and Concerned Residents, was described as an independent move reflecting the collective will of the people rather than any directive from the governor.
Leading the delegation, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, disclosed that the procurement of the forms was neither sponsored nor requested by the governor, but rather driven by widespread grassroots mobilisation across the state.
Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, Abiante characterised the action as a “popular mandate,” emphasising that the funds were raised through voluntary contributions from citizens who remain convinced of the governor’s leadership capacity. He noted that the governor may not have been aware of the development at the time it was concluded, stressing that the gesture underscores a people-driven political culture.
“He did not send us. It is even possible he is yet to be aware that we have taken this step. This is a decision compelled by the people. He cannot turn his back on them,” Abiante stated.
He further argued that the development signals a shift toward participatory democracy, where electoral choices are shaped more by collective public will than by financial inducement. Drawing a parallel, he referenced similar political precedents, including instances in Lagos where influential stakeholders rallied behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu through comparable initiatives.
The coalition anchored its endorsement on what it described as the governor’s performance in infrastructure and economic development, citing projects such as the Trans-Kalabari Road, improved access routes to Andoni communities, and policy strides within the state’s blue economy framework.
Responding to concerns regarding political alignments and evolving dynamics within Rivers State politics, Abiante maintained that the governor enjoys substantial grassroots backing, dismissing opposing views as disconnected from realities on the ground. He added that the governor’s governance approach and perceived closeness to the people have strengthened calls for continuity beyond his current tenure.
The development also comes against the backdrop of the protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, which spanned from October 2023 to early 2026. At the height of the tensions, the governor had publicly remarked that his “spirit had left Government House,” a statement widely interpreted as reflecting the intensity of the power struggle and the internal pressures within the state’s political landscape.
— Emeka Amaefula
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