By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In a move widely perceived as daring the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, some elders of the All Progressive Congress, APC have procured the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State
This is as Honourable Kingsley Chinda, popular as O.K., a member of the House of Representatives, and an ally and confidante of Nyesom Wike, has, also purchased the forms. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, like Wike, Chinda is, however, expected to run under Wike’s Rainbow Coalition – a Coalition of PDP and APC members in the State.
The source reports that following the protracted crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and his political godfather, Wike has insisted on not being part of any moves for the re-election bid of his protege.
In the wake of the bitter political acrimony which began in 2023, the FCT Minister had publicly declared that allowing Fubara to return for a second term will signal his political death.
Consequently, unconfirmed reports had speculated that one of the key points of the last truce brokered for the twosome by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was that , Fubara will not seek a second term in office.
The APC’s failure to formally welcome Governor Fubara, months after he defected from the Peoples Democratic party PDP, had served to accentuate the belief that there may be an agreement for the Governor not to re-contest.
But while announcing the purchase of gubernatorial form Fubara on Friday, a delegation headed by a Member of the House of Representatives ,Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the decision was taken by major party stakeholders across the 23 local councils of Rivers state, alongside former Rivers House of Assembly Leader and ex-Commissioner for Education, Tamunosisi Gogo and others.
Speaking on behalf of the group Abiante said:
“Their action was driven by the “yearnings and aspirations” of Rivers people who he said are calling on Governor Fubara to seek another term in office.
“They argued that the governor’s performance over the past three years has positioned him as a stabilising force in the state’s political landscape. According to the forum, his administration has helped steer Rivers ‘out of the woods’ and restore a measure of order and confidence in governance.
“The decision to purchase these forms is a direct response to widespread calls from across the state urging the governor to continue his leadership,” a member of the delegation said, adding that Fubara’s leadership style has resonated with many residents.
The group also said it would fully support the re-election of Bola Tinubu as President of Nigeria. The support aligns with the broader agenda of the APC at the national level.
However, Governor Fubara has not declared his interest as regards his re-election bid.
According to Abiante, the move is in the best interest of Rivers state and its residents, noting that it also signposts the growing confidence reposed in Governor Fubara by the people.
“This is not new. Even at the national level , stakeholders had in the past procured nomination forms for their 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 state have made their position clear: they want continuity” Abiante stated .
This is as he insisted that Governor Fubara never sent nor influenced the stakeholders in their action.
He also informed that the forms will be formally presented the Governor later on Friday.
For the records, another APC chieftain, Tonye Cole, who is an ally of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has, also purchased the Governorship forms. He will run under the APC.
At the time of reporting, neither the FCT Minister nor any of his associates has reacted to the development
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