Ambassador Blessing Fubara Senior, brother to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, pledging to serve only a single term if elected.
He made the announcement ahead of the party’s primary election, describing himself as a competent, energetic and prepared candidate with a mission to restore peace, stability and economic growth in Rivers State.
According to him, the state has experienced a decline in economic fortunes and public confidence, calling for what he termed a collective political “reawakening” to reposition Rivers State.
Speaking during his declaration, he said the political and socio-economic challenges in the state could no longer be ignored, stressing that citizens were increasingly disillusioned.
He lamented what he described as lost opportunities and dwindling investments in the state, insisting that Rivers people had been shortchanged and stripped of their pride.
Fubara pledged that if elected, his administration would focus on restoring peace, rebuilding the economy, and strengthening development across all sectors.
He also reiterated the importance of maintaining the state’s existing zoning arrangement, insisting that the Rivers South-East Senatorial District should be allowed to complete its supposed eight-year political cycle.
Describing the situation as urgent, he called for unity across party and ethnic lines, urging residents to “reclaim” the state and return it to what he called its former status as the nation’s economic hub.
He further argued that political power should be driven by popular support rather than financial influence, noting that his campaign would rely on grassroots mobilisation.
While addressing supporters, he claimed to have a wide base of followers across the 23 local government areas of the state, urging them to turn out massively during the party primaries.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to a four-year single term, stating that he would voluntarily step aside afterward to allow rotation of power to the next senatorial district.
Warning against any alteration of the existing zoning formula, he said such a move could set a “dangerous precedent” for the state’s political stability.
Fubara further maintained that despite political tensions, he remained confident in his ability to restore peace and drive development if given the mandate.
He concluded by urging his rival, whom he referred to as his elder brother in the contest, to withdraw from the race and support what he described as a people-driven political movement aimed at rebuilding Rivers State.