Rivers State Governor Pledges Unwavering Support for President Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly declared his commitment to securing a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This significant declaration was made at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following his formal reception of the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card from the State APC Chairman, Tony Okocha.
Governor Fubara’s alignment with the ruling party marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape. He articulated his new role as the custodian of the party’s welfare within Rivers State, vowing to ensure its vibrancy and the well-being of its executive members. This commitment extends to actively nurturing the APC’s presence and influence throughout the state.
The governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, which occurred shortly after a substantial bloc of 17 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly also switched allegiance to the ruling party, signals a significant shift in political dynamics. Fubara expressed optimism that his leadership within the APC will galvanize robust support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, making the task of delivering Rivers State to the president a more streamlined endeavor.
Rationale Behind the Political Metamorphosis
Speaking after officially receiving his APC membership card, Governor Fubara elaborated on the motivations behind his decision to join the APC. He emphasized that his move was strategically made with the overarching progress and development of Rivers State at its core. Furthermore, he characterized his defection as a reciprocal gesture, acknowledging President Tinubu’s instrumental role in ensuring his continued tenure as governor.
“This is a spiritual assignment,” Governor Fubara stated, addressing the State APC Chairman. “If you had listened to me when I made this decision, it was for the safety, protection, progress, and development of our dear state. We cannot be pursuing our own agenda in isolation while the Federal Government, the ruling party, is on a different course. There are compelling reasons to support Mr. President. Beyond any other consideration, I am personally aware of the sacrifices he has made to ensure that our government remains in place.”
He continued, “Therefore, I have taken this step as my way of returning the favour, clearing the path to ensure his re-election in 2027 will be smooth and straightforward in this state. Now that we are united under one party, the task of continuing the promises we made to Mr. President becomes significantly easier.”
A New Era for the APC in Rivers State
Governor Fubara articulated a clear vision for the APC in Rivers State, pledging to maintain its status as the preeminent and most active progressive party. “We are not stopping there,” he asserted. “From this moment forward, it is my responsibility to ensure that the party is properly looked after. I assure you that every need of the executive, every need of the party in this state, is now my personal responsibility.”
During the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the bypass to Port Harcourt International Airport and the Toll Gate Road, an event attended by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Governor Fubara boldly declared himself the “001” of the APC in Rivers State.
“I am number one,” he proclaimed. “Listen, I have collected my card, and the number is 001. The message is clear. We will do everything within our power to ensure that the 2027 presidential election is a smooth journey in Rivers State. How will we achieve this? It is through all of you here. It is with your support. The only thing we can do is to continue to thank Mr. President.”
Aviation Minister Commends Governor Fubara’s Leadership
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who was present at the road construction flag-off, lauded Governor Fubara’s decisive action in addressing a critical infrastructure challenge. “For us in the aviation industry, you (the governor) have solved one of our biggest problems,” Keyamo remarked. “That road had been in a deplorable condition, and we have always desired to give it a facelift so that visitors arriving at Port Harcourt—one of our international and oldest airports—would form a positive impression of the city they are entering. We have been urging you to help us accomplish this, and I am confident that after we leave here today, everyone will see that you have delivered for us.”
Minister Keyamo further characterized Governor Fubara’s defection as a significant political acquisition for the APC. He highlighted that with Fubara’s entry, the ruling party now commands the allegiance of all six states in the South-South geopolitical zone. Describing the governor as “an elephant and the latest catch,” Keyamo underscored the strategic importance of this political alignment.
