A political advocacy group under the Riverine Governor 2023 (RG23) movement has urged political parties and stakeholders in Rivers State to allow riverine Ijaws to serve two full terms in the governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said honouring this arrangement would ensure fairness, balance, and equity in the state’s political leadership.
The appeal was made during a press conference on Saturday in Port Harcourt by RG23, which had previously advocated for the power shift to the riverine Ijaw axis in 2023, along with its affiliate organisations.
Speaking to journalists, conveners Pureh Kalango and Confidence Idah said the move was necessary to maintain political stability and uphold equity between the upland and riverine regions.
They highlighted that since the return to democracy in 1999, politicians from the upland areas have held the governorship for 24 years and served as deputy governor for three years, whereas riverine Ijaws have mostly occupied the deputy governorship for 24 years and held the governorship for only three years.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we urge that the Riverine Ijaws be allowed to complete their two terms, just as our upland brothers have done,” the group said.
The conveners emphasised that the appeal transcends political party lines and reflects the collective aspirations of the riverine Ijaw community.
They warned that neglecting the existing political balance could exacerbate divisions within the state and undermine unity.
They stressed that preserving the unwritten zoning arrangement between upland and riverine areas is vital for sustaining peace and stability in Rivers State.
If the appeal is upheld, the 2027 governorship contest may feature incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Boma Iyaye, the latter considered a close ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
