…as Rivers APC stakeholders purchase, donate nomination forms
By Aaron Ossai
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has received a significant political boost ahead of the 2027 general elections as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside other political leaders in the state have purchased and donated his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms.
A delegation led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, disclosed that elders and leaders across Rivers State took the decision in what they described as the overriding interest of the people.
Hon. Abiante maintained that the gesture was neither unusual nor unprecedented, describing it as part of Nigeria’s established democratic culture.
“This is not new,” he said. “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.”
He stressed that the action underscores popular confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership, insisting that the decision was driven purely by public sentiment rather than personal ambition or financial capacity.
“It is not about how deep your pocket is,” Abiante noted. “It is about what the people feel. And the people of Rivers State have made their position clear—they want continuity.”
Highlighting the Governor’s performance, the lawmaker pointed to what he described as visible progress in infrastructure, improved access to previously neglected communities, and renewed economic opportunities, particularly in riverine areas.
“In places like Andoni, access was a long-standing challenge. Within months, that narrative changed,” he said. “Communities once cut off are now connected and positioned to contribute meaningfully to the blue economy.”
He also cited the rehabilitation of key public infrastructure, including the State Secretariat, and improvements in citizens’ welfare as evidence of purposeful governance.
Beyond projects, Abiante emphasized the governor’s leadership style—describing him as humble, people-oriented, and deeply attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“This is a leader who understands the pains of his people and responds with action,” he added.
The lawmaker further revealed that Governor Fubara neither initiated nor influenced the move, insisting it was a spontaneous decision by stakeholders determined to sustain the current trajectory.
“He did not send us,” Abiante said. “This is the voice of the people speaking through their leaders. We have come on their behalf.”
According to him, the message from across the state is unequivocal: the governor must heed the call to seek re-election.
“The people have contributed their resources to make this happen. He cannot turn his back on them. Rivers people are firmly behind him,” he declared.
With the nomination forms now secured, the stakeholders are set to formally present them to the governor on Friday, May 1, 2026 a move expected to further crystallise the political landscape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections and firmly position Siminalayi Fubara at the centre of the unfolding contest.
