IYC Endorses Fubara for Second Term, Warns Wike Against Interference in Rivers Politics

IYC Endorses Fubara for Second Term, Warns Wike Against Interference in Rivers Politics

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has formally endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in office, warning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against actions capable of undermining the governor’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IYC President Dr. Theophilus Alaye Tari said the endorsement followed extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation and a critical assessment of Rivers State’s political direction and development agenda.

The endorsement comes amid significant political realignments in the state following Governor Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a move widely seen as a major strategic step ahead of 2027. Several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier defected to the APC.

According to the council, Fubara’s defection marked a decisive break from his former political alliances and firmly positioned him as the APC’s leading political figure in Rivers State.

Wike, a former governor of the state, has recently criticised Fubara, accusing him of reneging on political agreements and insisting that he lacks the political backing required to secure re-election.

In response, the Ijaw Youth Council dismissed the claims, insisting that Fubara represents stability, maturity, and accountable leadership at a critical moment in Rivers State’s history.

The council noted that despite political distractions and what it described as external interference, the governor has remained focused on governance and people-centred development.

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According to the IYC, the Fubara administration has prioritised infrastructure renewal and urban development, youth empowerment and job creation, education and healthcare improvement, as well as peace-building, inclusion, transparency, and good governance.

Alaye warned that the calm disposition of the Ijaw people should not be misconstrued as weakness.

“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide hereby reaffirms its total, unwavering, and unequivocal support for His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and formally endorses him for a second term in the 2027 elections,” he said.

The council further declared that it does not recognise or align with any political arrangements promoted by Nyesom Wike or his associates that seek to undermine the constitutional authority of the Rivers State governor.

Alaye cited examples of political maturity by leaders such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Seriake Dickson, noting that Fubara deserves similar respect and political space to govern.

“On behalf of over 30 million Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta, we unanimously endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term. His continuity is crucial for sustaining peace, unity, and development in Rivers State,” he added.

The council warned that if the Federal Government and the APC leadership seek the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027, they must respect the will of the Rivers people and avoid interference in the state’s affairs.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has called on the Ogoni community and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) to embrace unity and collaboration in pursuit of shared goals.

The governor made the call in a message marking Ogoni Day, celebrated annually on January 4, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Fubara described Ogoni Day as a symbol of resilience, identity, and the enduring struggle of the Ogoni people, paying tribute to MOSOP’s historic role in drawing global attention to issues of environmental justice, equity, and human rights in the Niger Delta.

He urged Ogoni leaders to avoid internal divisions, stressing that unity remains essential as the Federal Government continues dialogue efforts aimed at addressing longstanding injustices in the region.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Ogoniland and across Rivers State.

IYC Endorses Fubara for Second Term, Warns Wike Against Interference in Rivers Politics