By Our Correspondent
A political stakeholder in Rivers State, Chibuike Ikenga, has stated that the fate of Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections is not for the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to determine.
Speaking during a political interaction in Port Harcourt, Ikenga dismissed speculations and comments from opposition figures suggesting that Governor Fubara may face screening challenges ahead of the next general elections.
According to him, only the appropriate constitutional and electoral bodies have the authority to determine who qualifies to contest elections, stressing that political intimidation and media statements from rival parties cannot stop a qualified candidate from participating in the democratic process.
Ikenga maintained that Governor Fubara remains focused on governance and development in Rivers State, adding that attempts by opposition parties to distract the administration ahead of 2027 would not succeed.
He further urged political actors in the state to concentrate on issue-based politics rather than engaging in unnecessary attacks and predictions over future electoral processes.
The political figure also accused some opposition elements of overheating the polity with premature campaign rhetoric instead of supporting policies that would benefit residents of the state. He noted that Rivers people are more concerned about infrastructure, economic growth, security, and improved welfare than political propaganda.
Ikenga said the growing support being enjoyed by Governor Fubara across several parts of the state has continued to unsettle opponents who fear the governor’s rising political influence ahead of the next electoral cycle. He insisted that no amount of political pressure or media speculation would undermine the governor’s constitutional rights.
He also called on supporters of the governor to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to democratic values, emphasizing that the future of leadership in the state would ultimately be decided by the people through the ballot box.
Observers believe the statement reflects the deepening political rivalry already taking shape in Rivers State despite the 2027 elections still being years away. Political analysts say recent exchanges between loyalists of different political blocs indicate that the battle for control of the state’s political structure may intensify in the coming months.
Meanwhile, some residents have expressed concern over the increasing tempo of political activities in the state, urging leaders to place governance and development above political conflicts. They argued that the expectations of the people should remain the top priority for all political office holders.
2027: Rivers APC Cannot Decide Whether Fubara Will Be Successfully Screened — Chibuike Ikenga
The statement comes amid increasing political tension and realignments in Rivers State as parties begin early strategic moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
