The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has formally endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term, praising his leadership, development agenda, and ability to navigate political tensions within the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Council’s President, Theophilus Alaye, said the decision followed extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation and a thorough assessment of Rivers State’s political and developmental landscape.
“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,” he declared.
The endorsement comes in the wake of Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on 9th December 2025, following a year-long dispute with former Rivers Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over party structures in the state.
The move, which was preceded by several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also joining the APC, positioned Fubara as the face of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alaye noted that, despite “sustained political distractions and unwarranted interference,” Fubara had remained “calm, focused, and dedicated to providing effective governance.”
The council pointed to the administration’s achievements in infrastructure renewal, urban development, youth empowerment and job creation, strengthening of education and healthcare systems, promotion of peacebuilding and social cohesion, and commitment to transparency and good governance.
The Ijaw Youth Council also took aim at critics, particularly Minister Wike, asserting that political patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide categorically states that it does not recognise, accept, or align with any political arrangements or agreements being promoted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or any of his proxies, that seek to undermine the authority or constitutional mandate of the Governor of Rivers State,” Alaye said.
He further argued that Fubara deserves the same political respect afforded to other Nigerian leaders who were allowed the space to govern effectively, citing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Seriake Dickson as examples.
“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 said.
The council also called on the federal government and APC leadership to respect the will of the Rivers people and avoid interference in state affairs, stressing that the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027 would depend on adherence to democratic norms and respect for local governance.
Fubara’s endorsement by a major ethnic youth body signals a consolidation of grassroots political support within the Niger Delta, potentially shaping the dynamics of Rivers State politics in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
