Governorship aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara, has dismissed claims that he is fronting for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during an interview on a Port Harcourt-based radio station, the politician acknowledged his family relationship with the governor but maintained that both men operate with different political beliefs and ambitions.
According to him, his decision to contest the governorship race was not influenced by the current political situation in the state or speculation surrounding the governor’s future political plans.
“Oh yes, I am Fubara. I am related to the governor, but we share different political ideologies, aspirations and visions for Rivers State,” he said.
There had been growing speculation in political circles that Blessing Fubara’s emergence in the Nigerian Democratic Congress was part of a broader strategy to create an alternative political platform for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid the lingering crisis in Rivers politics.
The rumours intensified following reports that the governor may distance himself from his current political structure as tensions continue between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
However, Blessing Fubara insisted that his governorship ambition was conceived long before the recent political developments in the state.
He explained that he had been consulting with stakeholders and supporters across Rivers State for some time and remained committed to pursuing what he described as a mission to restore purposeful leadership in the state.
The governorship hopeful also criticised the nature of politics in Rivers State, saying political loyalty has overshadowed governance and development.
According to him, many young people in the state have become trapped in what he described as “survival politics,” where allegiance to political figures is often prioritised above economic empowerment and meaningful opportunities.
He further stated that Rivers people deserve leadership driven by ideas, development and accountability rather than personal political battles.
When asked whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara was aware of his governorship ambition, the aspirant declined to provide details of private discussions but noted that consultations were ongoing.
The development comes amid continued political uncertainty in Rivers State, where the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike has continued to shape the state’s political atmosphere since 2023.
