𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚’𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

By George OPARA

Beneath Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s extended strategy of silence, a growing suspense is taking shape. Political observers say a planned coalition, lying in ambush ahead of the 2027 polls, aims to produce a consensus gubernatorial candidate, regardless of whether Fubara seeks re-election.

The coalition, expected to draw together both ruling and opposition forces, is being spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Sources say Wike has expanded consultations on an anointed candidate.

Unlike in many states where aspirants have already begun to emerge, no key political figure in Rivers State—including Governor Fubara—has publicly declared interest in the gubernatorial race.

Insider sources say uncertainty has intensified since Fubara stopped making his position openly known, particularly after President Bola Tinubu brokered a fragile peace between the governor and his estranged political predecessor, Wike. Alignments and realignments continue to reshape the state’s political dynamics.

Political operatives familiar with the coalition’s strategy disclosed that two names are gaining ground as possible contenders who could abide by a consensus decision.

The first is Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who has represented Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency since 2011. He is widely regarded as a loyal Wike ally, especially during the period of intense instability that engulfed the state.

The second is Marcus Eji, Executive Director (Projects) at the South-South Development Commission and a former Rivers legislator. He is also a supportive partner to Wike, who reportedly introduced him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a closed-door meeting in Abuja.

Acting as a strategic political Trojan horse, Wike has publicly dismissed ethnic considerations in the selection process, warning against attempts to polarize his political base along tribal lines.

In his words: “Those of you sending people to preach ethnicity, it will not work. I will work with those who are sincere, not minding where the person comes from.”

Despite the growing speculation, Wike has insisted he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 elections—except his support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Reliable sources revealed that the eventual political platform for the coalition’s candidate may exploit what they see as Fubara’s vulnerability. Spear News gathered:

“If the governor decides to run based on the right of first refusal extended to all first-term governors in the APC, the coalition will ask its chosen candidate to remain in the PDP and challenge the governor. But if the governor resolves not to run, the anointed candidate may be asked to run on the APC platform, since the coalition controls both the APC and PDP leadership in the state.”

A widespread concern among critics, however, is the governor’s failure to rebuild his support base after the crisis that appeared to scatter his ‘Simplified Movement.’ Political analysts note that Fubara may face a daunting task if he contests without first establishing firm control of the party structures in the state.

A source close to the governor insisted that the exclusive decision authority belongs to him. “Only the governor can decide his political direction. He has the support of his colleagues and the people of the state. His support can always be renewed. But we are staying ready for his decision,” the source said.

Other sources warn that if the governor depends on Wike’s endorsement to run for a second term, he would end up shooting himself in the foot—because Wike has already politically drawn the curtain on him.

Wike himself has hinted that he may not support Fubara if the governor chooses to run again, suggesting a heightened strain between the two political gladiators.

“No amount of blackmail, no amount of intimidation will make me repeat the same mistake I made before. If anybody is bringing money to you, that is your business. I don’t know how long I will have to live on this earth, but I will not make that mistake,” Wike fumed.