Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has thrown its full weight behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, endorsing him for a second term in office and issuing a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged attempts to undermine the governor’s re-election bid.
The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Dr Theophilus Alaye, who said the decision followed wide-ranging consultations across the Ijaw nation and a careful evaluation of the political climate and development trajectory of Rivers State.
According to Alaye, the IYC’s position reflects the collective will of Ijaw youths, who believe Governor Fubara has demonstrated maturity, restraint, and purposeful leadership despite ongoing political pressures within the state.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of significant political realignments in Rivers State, particularly Governor Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, widely regarded as a major shake-up ahead of the 2027 elections, has repositioned Fubara as a central figure within the APC in the state. Several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have also reportedly defected to the APC, further altering the state’s political landscape.
Fubara’s defection marked a decisive departure from his long-standing association with the PDP and effectively signalled a new political direction for Rivers State. However, the development has also deepened tensions between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
In recent days, Wike has publicly criticised Governor Fubara, accusing him of failing to honour political agreements and insisting that the governor would not secure re-election in 2027. The FCT minister further alleged that Fubara lacks grassroots support and is being misled by political advisers.
Reacting strongly to these claims, the Ijaw Youth Council dismissed Wike’s assertions and reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in Governor Fubara’s leadership. The council described Fubara as a stabilising force who has remained focused on governance despite what it termed “persistent distractions and unwarranted interference.”
According to the IYC, the Fubara administration has continued to pursue a people-oriented development agenda, with emphasis on infrastructure renewal and urban development, youth empowerment and job creation, strengthening education and healthcare, promoting peace, inclusion, and social cohesion, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Alaye cautioned that the calm disposition of the Ijaw people should not be misconstrued as weakness, stressing that the council would resist any political arrangement aimed at undermining the governor’s constitutional mandate.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, under the leadership of Dr Alaye Tari Theophilus, hereby reaffirms its total, unwavering, and unequivocal support for His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and formally endorses him for a second term in office in the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.
The council further declared that it does not recognise or align with any political agreements or arrangements being promoted by Wike or his associates that seek to erode the authority of the elected governor of Rivers State.
Drawing comparisons with political transitions in other parts of the country, Alaye noted that leaders such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson allowed their successors the political space required to govern effectively.
He argued that Governor Fubara deserves similar democratic maturity and respect, adding that continuity in leadership is essential for sustaining peace and development in Rivers State.
“On behalf of over 30 million Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta, we hereby formally and unanimously endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in 2027. We believe his continuity in office is vital to sustaining peace, unity, and development in Rivers State,” Alaye stated.
He added that if the Federal Government and the leadership of the APC seek the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027, they must respect the will of the Rivers people and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has called on the Ogoni people and their umbrella body, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), to embrace unity and collective action in pursuit of their shared aspirations.
The governor made the call in a goodwill message to commemorate Ogoni Day, celebrated annually on January 4. The message was conveyed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo.
Describing Ogoni Day as a symbol of resilience, identity, and historic struggle, Fubara paid tribute to MOSOP’s pioneering role in drawing global attention to issues of environmental justice, equity, and human rights in Ogoni land and the wider Niger Delta.
He noted that the sacrifices and courage of the Ogoni people represent a defining chapter in Nigeria’s socio-political and democratic history, adding that the annual celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals that have sustained the struggle over the decades.
The governor urged Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to eschew internal divisions within MOSOP and the broader Ogoni community, stressing that unity of purpose is crucial to advancing collective interests particularly at a time when the Federal Government has shown renewed commitment through ongoing dialogue aimed at addressing historical grievances.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed that the Rivers State Government remains committed to supporting a united MOSOP and promoting peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Ogoni land and across the state.
