Strong indications have emerged that Siminalayi Fubara will seek a second term in office, despite reported political headwinds linked to his estranged ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The governor’s re-election ambition received a significant boost on Thursday as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, alongside other political actors, purchased and donated his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms.

The move was announced by a delegation led by Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency. He described the gesture as a collective decision by elders and political leaders across the state, driven by what they termed the overriding interest of the people.

According to Abiante, the development reflects a well-established democratic practice where stakeholders mobilise support for preferred candidates, noting that the action underscores growing confidence in Fubara’s leadership.

“This is not new. Even at the national level, stakeholders have procured nomination forms for candidates. It is part of our democratic culture,” he said.

He dismissed claims that the move was financially induced, insisting it was rooted in popular demand for continuity.

“It is not about how deep your pocket is; it is about what the people feel. The people of Rivers State have made their position clear—they want continuity,” he added.

The latest development comes amid growing political tension in Rivers State following reports that Wike may be backing a different candidate for 2027. There have been strong speculations that the FCT Minister has tipped Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, as his preferred successor.

Multiple political sources also suggest that the move is part of a broader strategy by Wike to reassert influence over the state’s political structure ahead of the next general elections, further deepening the perceived rift between him and Fubara.

Although Chinda has yet to make a formal declaration, the speculation has intensified the succession debate and added a new dimension to the unfolding power struggle in the state.

Highlighting the administration’s record, Abiante cited improvements in infrastructure, increased access to riverine communities, and expanded economic opportunities as key achievements under Fubara.

“In places like Andoni, access used to be a major challenge. Within months, that has changed. Communities that were once cut off are now connected and contributing to the blue economy,” he said.

He also pointed to ongoing rehabilitation of public infrastructure and enhanced welfare initiatives, describing the governor’s leadership style as responsive and people-oriented.

Abiante stressed that the initiative to procure the forms did not originate from the governor himself but from stakeholders determined to sustain the current development trajectory.

“He did not send us. This is the voice of the people speaking through their leaders,” he said.

The forms are expected to be formally presented to Governor Fubara today in a move that could further reshape the political landscape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.