A socio-political group, The Enforcers of Good Governance, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to retain his Deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, as running mate in the anticipated 2027 governorship election.
The group in an open letter addressed to the governor, expressed concern over what it described as widespread but unconfirmed reports suggesting plans to replace the deputy governor with a younger candidate believed to possess more electoral appeal.
According to the group, while the reports remain unofficial, recent political developments have unfortunately lent credibility to such speculations.
“These include the purchase of your APC expression of interest and nomination forms, as well as the circulation of a purported preferred House of Assembly list in which Her Excellency is reportedly not adequately consulted or represented”.
“As stakeholders who have supported your administration before and throughout your tenure, we consider it important to respectfully remind Your Excellency of the significant political capital, goodwill, and electoral strength represented by your Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu”.
Highlighting the deputy governor’s political relevance, the group noted that Odu played a significant role in mobilising support across the Orashi axis.
“During the 2023 gubernatorial election that brought both of you into office, the entire Orashi axis comprising ONELGA, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, and Abua/Odual rallied massively behind the SIM/NGOZI ticket”.”This support was not incidental.
It was significantly driven by the political influence, credibility, and acceptance of Professor Ngozi Nma Odu across the region.
We respectfully urge Your Excellency to verify this independently,” the group said.The letter also praised Odu’s track record in public service, describing her as a seasoned administrator whose emergence as deputy governorship candidate in 2023 was widely considered a strategic decision by former governor, Nyesom Wike.
The group further commended the deputy governor’s loyalty during challenging political periods, including moments of heightened tension and impeachment threats, noting that such steadfastness was rare in politics.
It warned that any decision to drop Odu could weaken the administration’s political base, particularly in key electoral strongholds, and risk reinforcing negative narratives among critics.
While reaffirming its support for the governor, the group stated that its mobilisation efforts ahead of 2027 would naturally align with any ticket that includes the deputy governor.
The group also cautioned against adopting political strategies that rely heavily on coercive structures or strongman tactics, stressing the need for broader voter confidence and inclusive governance.
“Your Excellency, we humbly urge you to reconsider any decision or political strategy capable of creating avoidable internal fractures as Rivers State moves toward the 2027 elections”.
“May we respectfully invite Your Excellency to take a cue from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, in spite of mounting political pressures and speculations, maintained strategic stability within his ticket by retaining his Vice President.
“This appeal is made not as interference in your constitutional or political prerogatives, but as sincere counsel from committed supporters who remain invested in your political success and the stability of Rivers State”.
The group however advised against creating avoidable cracks within the governor political structure may hand unnecessary opportunities to political opponents at this delicate stage.
“We therefore respectfully urge Your Excellency to prioritize continuity, loyalty, inclusion, and strategic political balance in all decisions regarding the future composition of your ticket.
We trust in your wisdom and statesmanship and look forward to your thoughtful consideration of these matters”.
The letter was signed by the group’s Founder and National Leader, Dr. Kingsley Ogu, who described the appeal as a sincere contribution toward preserving unity and strengthening the governor’s re-election prospects.
