Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has endorsed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for a second term in office.
The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the President of the IYC, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, who said the decision followed extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation and a careful assessment of the political and developmental direction of Rivers State.
Alaye said the council is united in its belief that Governor Fubara embodies stability, maturity and responsible leadership at a critical period in the state’s history. He noted that despite ongoing political distractions and what he described as undue interference, the governor has remained calm, focused and committed to delivering effective governance.
According to the statement, Fubara’s administration has continued to pursue a people-centred development agenda anchored on infrastructure renewal and urban development, youth empowerment and job creation, strengthening of education and healthcare systems, peacebuilding and social cohesion, as well as transparency, accountability and good governance.
The IYC also called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Fubara the freedom to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without interference, warning that the patience of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide 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,” Alaye said.
He added that the council does not recognise or align with any political arrangements or agreements allegedly promoted by Wike or his associates that seek to undermine the authority or constitutional mandate of the Rivers State governor.
Alaye further pointed out that across Nigeria, respected political leaders such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Seriake Dickson allowed their successors the political space to govern effectively, stressing that the same democratic maturity should be extended to Fubara.
He cited recent political developments, including the handover of APC leadership in Plateau State by former Governor Simon Lalong to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s public recognition of Governor Peter Mbah as party leader in Enugu State, as examples of political respect for sitting governors.
“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,” Alaye stated. “We believe his continuity in office is vital to sustaining peace, unity and development in Rivers State.”
He added that if the federal government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) desire the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027, the will of the Rivers people must be respected and non-interference in the affairs of the state upheld.
