Fresh political developments in Rivers State have ignited speculations over the future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 governorship election, following reports that key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress may now be rallying behind former governorship candidate Tonye Cole instead of the incumbent governor.
The controversy followed media reports and political commentaries claiming that President Bola Tinubu had allegedly withdrawn support for Fubara’s anticipated second-term ambition in Rivers State.
However, no official statement has been issued by the Presidency confirming that Tinubu has “dumped” Fubara or formally endorsed another governorship candidate for the state.
What is publicly established is that Tonye Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers, recently obtained the APC nomination form ahead of the 2027 governorship race. Cole confirmed that his ambition is centered on economic growth, security, infrastructure and governance reforms in the oil-rich state.
The move immediately intensified political calculations within Rivers APC, especially amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Fubara’s political future and his relationship with major power blocs in the state.
In a separate development, a coalition of Rivers APC stakeholders and elders reportedly purchased nomination forms for Governor Fubara, insisting that the governor still enjoys widespread grassroots support across the state. The group, led by federal lawmaker Awaji-Inombek Abiante, described the gesture as a reflection of “collective will” and public confidence in Fubara’s leadership.
Political observers say the situation points to growing divisions within the Rivers APC ahead of 2027, with multiple interests positioning for influence in what is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governorship contests.
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The Rivers political climate has remained tense since the prolonged crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a conflict that triggered months of political instability in the state.
Fubara, who won the 2023 Rivers governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party before later aligning politically with the APC, has continued to attract both support and opposition from competing factions within the state’s political establishment.
Although online reports have attempted to frame the latest developments as a direct rejection of Fubara by Tinubu, available public evidence only confirms that alternative aspirants such as Tonye Cole are actively pursuing the APC governorship ticket, while pro-Fubara groups are simultaneously mobilising support for the governor’s re-election ambition.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the APC national leadership has officially declared support for any Rivers governorship aspirant for the 2027 election.
