2027 Rivers’ political twist: Governor Fubara’s elder brother takes over fight against Wike

…Picks NDC governorship form

Hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, his elder brother, Blessing Fubara, picked the gubernatorial forms of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The political shift highlights a major realignment of political forces in Rivers State, with the governor’s camp turning to the NDC as the rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s political structure deepens.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s elder brother picked up the NDC governorship form to act as a political “Plan B” or placeholder.

This strategic move guarantees the Fubara camp an alternative platform in case internal turmoil, legal battles, or factional disqualifications derail his 2027 APC governorship bid.

Read also: Fubara, Cole pull out of APC governorship primaries in boost for Wike-backed candidate

Following Governor Fubara’s defection to the APC, his camp faced stiff internal resistance and the systemic disqualification of loyalists by elements aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Picking up the NDC form ensures the governor will not be completely locked out of the 2027 ballot.

During his defection in Abuja to the NDC, Blessing Fubara publicly stated that his move was necessary to “protect the soul of Rivers State,” citing political witch-hunting and the need to secure a stable platform for his supporters.

Securing the ticket of a rapidly growing alternative party serves as a powerful political bargaining chip to keep the governor’s detractors in check while forcing negotiations at both state and national levels.