Just hours after Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the 2027 governorship race, another politician sharing the same surname has stepped forward to contest the election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Blessing Fubara Snr. has obtained the NDC’s nomination and expression of interest forms at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, injecting fresh intrigue into the state’s political landscape.
While both men hail from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, it remains unconfirmed whether they are directly related. Rivers State NDC Chairman Hon. Success Jack confirmed Blessing Fubara’s candidacy but could not verify any family link to the governor.
“Yes, he obtained his expression of interest form yesterday in Abuja,” Jack said. “We are prepared to win not only the governorship election but all elections in Rivers State come 2027.”
Blessing Fubara defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC approximately two weeks ago. He was received by the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and has described the NDC as “a moving train”, insisting his decision was driven by the interests of Rivers people. He has also warned that “the soul of Rivers State is at stake” amid intensifying political realignments.
A graduate of Community Development and Adult Education, Blessing Fubara currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of D’Consiglories LLC. He is also a development strategist, urban renewal consultant, and grassroots organiser.
His emergence has drawn mixed reactions. NDC supporters view his candidacy as part of a growing opposition movement capable of reshaping the state’s political landscape. Critics, however, question whether the party can build a formidable statewide structure strong enough to compete with larger, more established parties by 2027.
Governor’s Exit and Political Fallout
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal follows sustained pressure from the camp of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. After intense political manoeuvring, the governor and several allies pulled out of the APC governorship primaries, effectively stepping back from a direct challenge to Wike’s grip on the party apparatus.
Though the governor has periodically sought to ease hostilities by reaching out to former rivals and appealing for calm, legislative and financial tensions continue to surface. Lawmakers have repeatedly demanded the resubmission of commissioner lists and budgets.
Minister Wike retains significant influence over the political machinery of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His camp is closely eyeing key contenders and remains determined to shape the APC’s governorship candidacy in 2027.
Failed Federal Interventions
President Bola Tinubu and the federal government have intervened on multiple occasions to broker peace agreements. However, compliance with these terms has remained a persistent source of friction between Rivers State’s executive and legislative arms, leaving the political crisis far from resolved.
