2027: Fubara’s Brother, Blessing Declares Rivers Governorship Bid Under NDC

Blessing Fubara, the brother of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has formally declared his intention to contest the state governorship election on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), pledging to serve only one term if elected.

Speaking ahead of the party’s primary election, the governorship aspirant described himself as a “ready, competent and energetic” leader determined to restore peace, economic growth and political stability in Rivers State.

Fubara lamented what he called the steady decline of the state’s political and economic fortunes, insisting that Rivers people had endured significant setbacks in recent years.

“We have lost opportunities. We have lost investments. We have lost our dignity as a people. We have lost our pride as Rivers people,” he said.

He painted a picture of a state facing deep political and economic challenges, while calling on residents across political, ethnic and social divides to unite in rebuilding Rivers State.

“Today, we see a Rivers State that is distressed. Today, we see a Rivers State that is shortchanged. Today, we see a Rivers State that seems almost like a conquered state. No, we are not a conquered people,” he declared.

The NDC aspirant also vowed to uphold the state’s long-standing zoning arrangement, stressing that the Rivers South-East Senatorial District must be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure in office.

“We have vowed to you to keep the peaceful existence of the political rotation of Rivers State according to our founding fathers by our districts,” he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to a single tenure, Fubara said his administration would focus on restoring prosperity, development and unity across the state.

“I have vowed to do just a four-year one-term tenure to bring the expected prosperity and development in Rivers State,” he added.

Addressing concerns about political influence and financial power, the governorship hopeful argued that grassroots support remained more important than financial strength.

“We might not challenge the financial capacity that they have, but we know that we have the people, so we are richer in capacity,” he said.

Fubara further urged supporters across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to mobilise massively for the party’s primary election.

He also appealed to what he described as his “elder brother” in the race to step down in support of what he termed “the uprising of the people” aimed at restoring stability and prosperity in the oil-rich state.

Warning against any attempt to disrupt the state’s zoning arrangement, Fubara said altering the existing rotation formula could create political tension and set a dangerous precedent for future leadership in Rivers State.

“It sets a very wrong and dangerous precedent if we alter the senatorial rotation of our leadership and governance in the state,” he warned.

He pledged to prioritise peace, inclusive governance and economic recovery if elected governor.