A group of elders and political stakeholders in Rivers State have taken a bold step towards Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s second-term bid by purchasing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on his behalf.
The delegation, led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing the Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, acquired the forms on Tuesday, May 2026.
Speaking to journalists after the purchase, Hon. Abiante described the move as a “compulsion” from the people of Rivers State, stressing that Governor Fubara did not send them.
“He didn’t send us here. It is only after this that he may even become aware that we have acquired the forms. We are compelling him. He cannot escape from his people,” Abiante said.
He added that the exercise was “people-funded,” financed through contributions from ordinary citizens across the state, rather than being bankrolled by a single individual.
Abiante noted that the action aligns with political tradition, citing the example of the Governance Advisory Council in Lagos that bought forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that the development proves democracy is driven by the will of the people and not by the “depth of one’s pocket.”
The elders justified their support for Fubara’s re-election citing his performance in infrastructure and economic development, particularly the Trans-Kalabari Road, Andoni Access Road, and initiatives in the Blue Economy.
When asked about Fubara’s standing in the APC amid the complex political dynamics in Rivers State, Abiante maintained that the governor enjoys strong grassroots support.
“This is the first time that the citizens of Rivers State have had someone who is committed to their service, a man who comprehends the struggles of the people,” he added.
The move comes as political activities for the 2027 governorship election begin to heat up in the oil-rich state.
By
TheTimes Nigeria
