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By Oscar Okhifo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move that comes amid his ongoing political rift with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The endorsement underscores the ruling party’s growing confidence in Governor Fubara following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and highlights a shifting political balance in Rivers State and the wider South-south region.
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, announced the party’s position while addressing supporters in Rivers State on Monday, where he called on residents to deliver overwhelming votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Fubara in future elections.
Mr Basiru spoke during the commissioning of the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Elimgbu, describing Governor Fubara’s alignment with the APC as a strategic boost to both his administration and the ruling party.
“I congratulate our governor, I congratulate our party because when the governor is doing well, it simply means that our party is doing well,” Mr Basiru said.
He added that sustained electoral support for the APC was the best way to reciprocate the party’s backing of the governor.
“But the only way you can compensate the governor, compensate our party people of Rivers State, is to continue to vote for our party, the APC, in all elections,” he said.
Basiru also expressed optimism that Rivers State would deliver massive votes for the APC in upcoming polls, including the 2027 presidential election.
“And I know that in the fullness of time, in the general election coming, the votes for our party, the vote for our governor, the vote for our president, will be very massive in Rivers State,” he added.
Governor Fubara’s defection to the APC has significantly altered the political landscape of the South-south, effectively placing the region under the control of the ruling party after years of PDP dominance.
The governor joined the APC following months of political turmoil in Rivers State, which pitched him against Mr Wike, the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).