Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political leaders in Rivers have purchased the APC Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to seek re-election in 2027.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the leader of the delegation, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (APC-Rivers), said that the stakeholders and leaders took the decision in the best interest of the people.
He said that the decision underscored the people’s confidence in Gov. Fubara’s leadership, and was purely driven by public sentiment rather than personal ambition or financial capacity.
According to him, visible progress under Fubara’s administration is noticeable in infrastructure, improved access to previously neglected communities, and renewed economic opportunities, particularly in riverine areas.
He also cited the rehabilitation of key public infrastructure, including the State Secretariat, and improvements in citizens’ welfare as evidence of purposeful governance.
Abiante, member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said that the gesture of getting Fubara the forms was neither unusual nor unprecedented.
He said it was a part of Nigeria’s established democratic culture.
“This is not new; 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.
“It is not about how deep your pocket is, it is about what the people feel, and the people of Rivers have made their position clear that they want continuity.
“This is a leader who understands the pains of his people and responds with action; Fubara is humble, people-oriented, and deeply attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“In places like Andoni, access was a long-standing challenge. Within months, that narrative changed.
“Communities once cut off are now connected and positioned to contribute meaningfully to the blue economy,” he said.
Abiante said that the initiative was not initiated by Fubara, but was the voice of the people, spontaneously speaking through their leaders.
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 said. (NAN)