As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has thrown its weight behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, endorsing him for a second term in office and cautioning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against moves aimed at derailing the governor’s re-election ambition.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 4th of January, 2026, the IYC President, Theophilus Alaye, said the decision followed wide-ranging consultations across Ijaw communities and a thorough evaluation of the political climate in Rivers State as well as the direction of the current administration.
The endorsement comes against the backdrop of shifting political alignments in the state, particularly Governor Fubara’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which has been widely interpreted as a strategic development ahead of the 2027 polls, was preceded by the defection of several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC.
By leaving the PDP, Fubara effectively severed long-standing political ties and emerged as a leading figure of the APC in Rivers State.
Following this development, Wike has openly criticised the governor, alleging that he reneged on political agreements and insisting that Fubara would not be re-elected. The FCT minister also claimed the governor lacks popular support and is being politically misadvised.
Responding to these claims, the Ijaw Youth Council said it remains resolute in its belief that Fubara embodies stability, maturity, and responsible leadership at a pivotal point in the state’s history.
The council noted that in spite of persistent political distractions and what it termed undue interference, the governor has continued to demonstrate calmness, focus, and dedication to governance.
According to the IYC, the Fubara administration has sustained a people-focused development agenda centred on infrastructure rehabilitation and urban renewal; youth empowerment and employment generation; improved education and healthcare delivery; promotion of peace, inclusion, and social cohesion; as well as transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Alaye warned that the restraint shown by the Ijaw people should not be misconstrued as weakness.
He said: “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 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.”
He further observed that across the country, political leaders such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Seriake Dickson allowed their successors the necessary political space to govern, stressing that Governor Fubara deserves similar democratic respect.
He added: “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.
“If the Federal Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress desire the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027, then respect for the will of the Rivers people and non-interference in the affairs of the state must be upheld.”
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has appealed to the Ogoni people and their umbrella organisation, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), to foster unity and collaborate in pursuing their collective aspirations.
The governor made the appeal in a goodwill message to commemorate Ogoni Day, celebrated annually on the 4th of January. The message was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo.
Fubara described Ogoni Day as a potent symbol of resilience, identity, and the historic struggle of the Ogoni people.
Part of the statement read: “The Governor also paid tribute to the trailblazing role of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, whose peaceful struggle brought global attention to issues of environmental justice, equity, and human rights in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.”
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He said the sacrifices and bravery of the Ogoni people remain a defining part of Nigeria’s socio-political and democratic evolution.
According to the governor, the celebration provides an opportunity for reflection and renewed dedication to the principles that have sustained the struggle over the years.
He said: “Therefore, all Ogoni leaders and stakeholders must eschew disunity and internal divisions within MOSOP and the wider Ogoni community. Unity of purpose is critical to advancing the collective interest of the people.
“This call for unity is especially important at this time when the Federal Government has shown demonstrable commitment through the ongoing dialogue process aimed at addressing past injustices and lingering challenges.”
Fubara reaffirmed that the Rivers State Government remains committed to supporting a united MOSOP and a cohesive Ogoni people.
“As a government, we are committed to supporting all genuine efforts that promote peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Ogoniland and the rest of the state,” he said.