BREAKING: Rivers Governorship Race Takes New Turn As Fubara Emerges Under NDC

BREAKING: Rivers Governorship Race Takes New Turn As Fubara Emerges Under NDC

Fresh political drama has erupted in Rivers State after another politician bearing the Fubara name officially entered the 2027 governorship race under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The development comes barely hours after reports emerged that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had withdrawn from the race for the 2027 Rivers governorship election, intensifying political tension ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The new entrant, Blessing Fubara Snr., obtained the NDC governorship nomination and expression of interest forms at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, immediately sparking fresh conversations across Rivers political circles.

Although Blessing Fubara and Governor Siminalayi Fubara are both from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, it has not been officially confirmed whether they are directly related.

Confirming the development, Rivers State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Success Jack, said Blessing Fubara is among the party’s governorship aspirants.

“Yes, he obtained his expression of interest form in Abuja, and we are prepared and still preparing to win not only the governorship election but all elections in Rivers State come 2027,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• VIDEO: Fact-checkers knock down claim Soyinka rode okada over N1,500 fuel
• VIDEO: “I’ll Kill Anyone Who Films Me on duty”: Police Officer Issues Death Threat
• 7 Key Facts About Professor Segun Aina, Tinubu’s New JAMB Registrar

The move has further heightened political calculations in Rivers State, especially amid the lingering power struggle involving Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Blessing Fubara reportedly defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC about two weeks ago alongside some political associates.

During his reception in Abuja by party stakeholders led by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, he reportedly described the NDC as “a moving train.”

According to him, his decision to join the party was driven by the interest of Rivers people and the need for political redirection in the state.

“The soul of Rivers State is at stake,” he reportedly declared during the defection event.

Political observers believe the development signals fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 Rivers election.

Blessing Fubara Snr. is said to hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Development and Adult Education.

He currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of D’Consiglories LLC and is also described as a grassroots mobiliser, development strategist and urban renewal consultant.

Reports indicate that he previously worked with youth empowerment and employment-generation initiatives linked to the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has continued to dominate Rivers politics since 2023.

The prolonged rift has triggered repeated clashes involving lawmakers loyal to Wike, disputes over budgets and appointments, impeachment threats, and several failed reconciliation efforts.

Despite interventions reportedly initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government, tensions have persisted within the state’s political structure.

Analysts believe Wike still maintains enormous influence across both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor Fubara’s reported withdrawal from the governorship race has already generated mixed reactions, with many political watchers now questioning the next phase of Rivers politics.

The emergence of Blessing Fubara under the NDC is expected to further reshape calculations among major political blocs in the state.

BREAKING: Rivers Governorship Race Takes New Turn As Fubara Emerges Under NDC