Rivers State governorship aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Blessing Fubara (Snr), has denied claims that he is serving as a placeholder for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governorship hopeful acknowledged that he is related to the governor but insisted that they do not share the same political ideology or vision for Rivers State.
The clarification comes amid speculations that the elder Fubara could be holding a political position for the governor pending any possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.
Governor Fubara had earlier withdrawn from the APC governorship primaries amid his ongoing political feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, speaking during an interview with Super FM 93.3 in Port Harcourt, monitored by The PUNCH via Zoom, Blessing Fubara dismissed the rumours.
“Rivers people know me very well. I have always been passionate about the development of the people, not just the state,” he said.
“This is the time for Rivers people to take back their state.”
The NDC aspirant stated that his governorship ambition was not linked to the governor’s political situation or his withdrawal from the APC primaries.
According to him, consultations had been ongoing for some time across Rivers State.
“When you talk about my entrance being linked to the governor’s political decisions, that is not correct,” he stated.
“We are beginning a new conversation about the soul of Rivers State.”
The governorship hopeful openly acknowledged his relationship with the governor but stressed that they hold different political beliefs and aspirations.
“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.
He added that his objective is to “rescue and restore the soul of Rivers State.”
Fubara described the NDC as a credible opposition platform capable of changing the political direction of the state.
According to him, Rivers State needs a new political culture driven by ideas and development rather than loyalty to powerful individuals.
“Talking about political ideology, we must put Rivers people on the right path,” he said.
“The platform we are building under the Nigerian Democratic Congress is, in my view, a credible opposition vehicle capable of changing the narrative and delivering better governance for Rivers people.”
The aspirant criticised the political culture in Rivers State, saying politics had become centred around personalities instead of purpose.
He argued that this had contributed to recurring crises and underdevelopment in the oil-rich state.
“For so long, our politics has been built around personalities instead of purpose. This is what has given birth to the political drama and challenges we see today in Rivers State,” he stated.
According to him, the state’s political environment has evolved into a system of survival where many young people depend on loyalty to political leaders for economic survival.
When asked whether he had informed Governor Fubara of his ambition, the governorship hopeful declined to disclose details of his consultations.
“Coming out for this race involves extensive consultations. It is not something I need to publicise in detail,” he said.
“Consultations are ongoing and progressing well.”
