By George Opara
The state political machinery for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is said to be mounting pressure on him to change Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, his female deputy governor, as running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial elections.
A top insider source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that lobbying has intensified, urging the governor to replace Odu with a dedicated grassroots mobilizer who has the considerable political capital to add value to Fubara’s electoral fortunes.
Notable among those mentioned as possible replacements is Hon. Edison Ehie, a former speaker and chief of staff to Fubara, who is said to have strong influence over various political blocs in the state.
Professor Odu’s allies have pushed back against the speculation, warning that any move to replace her could further weaken the governor’s support base.
Spear News, however, gathered that two political groups — the Egi Peoples Association and the Enforcers of Good Governance — have weighed in with a petition to the governor, urging him to maintain the current ticket in the interest of stability and continuity.
In their petition, the groups highlighted the deputy governor’s influence in the Orashi region, her record of loyalty during political crises, and her role in strengthening the administration’s electoral support.
The groups cautioned against altering the ticket, insisting that it could erode goodwill and create openings for opposition forces, especially in a state where alliance-building is never stable.
“We are concerned about the potential consequences of such a move. The governor should prioritize unity and strategic balance,” the groups stated.
Professor Odu, a microbiologist and academic, was selected as deputy governor ahead of the 2023 elections — a decision influenced in part by Peter Odili.
As of the time of filing this report, the state government remains in the dark on whether the governor will retain his deputy.
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