Blessing Fubara Denies Being Placeholder for Governor Fubara Ahead of 2027 Rivers Election

Rivers State governorship aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Blessing Fubara (Snr), has rejected claims that he is merely a stand‑in for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

He acknowledged a family tie to the sitting governor but insisted that their political beliefs and visions for Rivers State are distinct.

The statement followed rumors that the elder Fubara was occupying the NDC ticket to keep the seat warm for a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.

Governor Fubara had stepped back from the APC governorship primaries amid his continuing dispute with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Super FM 93.3 in Port Harcourt, monitored by The PUNCH via Zoom, Blessing Fubara dismissed the speculation.

“Rivers people know me well. I have always been committed to the development of the people, not just the state,” he said, adding, “This is the moment for Rivers citizens to reclaim their state.”

He stressed that his ambition to run under the NDC is unrelated to the governor’s political moves or his withdrawal from the APC primaries, noting that consultations across the state have been underway for some time.

“When you suggest my entry is tied to the governor’s decisions, that is inaccurate,” he asserted. “We are initiating a new dialogue about the soul of Rivers State.”

Openly acknowledging his relationship, he said, “Yes, I am a Fubara and related to the governor, but we hold different political ideologies, aspirations, and visions for Rivers State.”

His goal, he explained, is to “rescue and restore the soul of Rivers State,” portraying the NDC as a credible opposition platform capable of shifting the state’s political direction.

He criticized the prevailing political culture in Rivers State, arguing that it revolves around personalities rather than purpose, which has fueled recurring crises and hindered development in the oil‑rich region.

“For too long, our politics has been built around personalities instead of purpose. This is what has produced the political drama and challenges we see today in Rivers State,” he remarked.

He added that the current environment forces many youths to rely on loyalty to political leaders for economic survival, calling for a shift toward idea‑driven governance.

When asked whether he had informed Governor Fubara of his candidacy, Blessing Fubara declined to divulge specifics, stating that the process involves extensive consultations that are progressing well.