Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) declared its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, endorsing him as its preferred candidate.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its President, Dr Alaye Theophilus, the council said the endorsement followed extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation.
Theophilus explained that the consultations involved a careful assessment of Rivers State’s political direction and development agenda.
“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,” the statement read.
He further stated that the council neither accepted nor recognised any political arrangements linked to the former governor of the state and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to him, the council would resist any attempt by Wike or his proxies to undermine the authority or constitutional mandate of the governor.
“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,” Theophilus said.
He reaffirmed the council’s global commitment to justice, equity and the democratic aspirations of the Ijaw people and Nigeria at large.
Also see: Wike Rules Out Second Term for Fubara
Theophilus also warned that if the Federal Government (FG) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) sought Ijaw support, they must respect the will of the people, urging them not to interfere in the affairs of Rivers State.
He added that Fubara had remained calm, focused and committed to effective governance despite persistent political distractions and unwarranted interference.
Fubara was elected governor of Rivers State in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December of the same year.
He was sworn in on May 29, 2023, and his first term is expected to end on May 29, 2027.
Although there are strong indications that he may seek re-election, Fubara has yet to formally declare his intention.
