Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State have purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The move was announced on Friday by a delegation led by a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante. He said the decision was taken by party stakeholders across the state in what he described as the interest of Rivers people.
According to him, the gesture reflects confidence in the governor’s leadership and a desire for continuity.
“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,” a statement issued on Friday by the media office of Abiante said.
He stressed that the gesture reflects broad-based confidence in Fubara’s leadership rather than any personal or financial motivation.
“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 noted.
Abiante pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, expanded access to previously isolated communities, and growing economic prospects, particularly in riverine areas, as evidence of the governor’s performance.
“In places like Andoni, access was a long-standing challenge. Within months, that narrative changed.
“Communities once cut off are now connected and positioned to contribute meaningfully to the blue economy,” he said.
He also cited the rehabilitation of major public infrastructure, including the State Secretariat, alongside what he described as improvements in citizens’ welfare.
Aside from projects, the lawmaker emphasised Fubara’s leadership style, saying, “This is a leader who understands the pains of his people and responds with action,” describing the governor as humble and people focused.
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Abiante maintained that the governor neither instigated nor influenced the purchase of the forms.
The forms are expected to be presented to the governor on Friday.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State following the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The dispute, which centred on control of political structures in the state, led to divisions within the People’s Democratic Party and a broader political crisis.
Fubara later defected to the APC, a move that altered the state’s political landscape.
Since joining the party, he has been seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election cycle.
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