A delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Rivers state has purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Gatekeepers News reports that the group, led by Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency in the House of Representatives, said the move was taken in the “overriding interest of Rivers people.”
Abiante noted that the gesture is consistent with democratic practices in Nigeria, where political stakeholders often procure forms for candidates they support.
“This is not new, it is a democratic tradition rooted in the collective will of the people,” he said.
He stressed that the decision reflects widespread public confidence in the governor’s performance rather than financial influence.
“It is not about how deep your pocket is. It is about what the people feel. And the people of Rivers state have made their position clear — they want continuity,” Abiante added.
The lawmaker highlighted what he described as key achievements under Fubara’s administration, including improved access to previously neglected riverine communities, rehabilitation of public infrastructure such as the state secretariat, and increased economic opportunities, particularly within the blue economy.
He described the governor as a humble and people-focused leader who “understands the pains of his people and responds with action.”
According to the delegation, Fubara neither initiated nor influenced the purchase of the forms, describing the move as a spontaneous show of support from political leaders and residents.
“He did not send us. This is the voice of the people speaking through their leaders,” Abiante said.
He added that contributors pooled their resources for the purchase and expect the governor to heed their call to seek re-election.
The nomination forms are expected to be formally presented to Fubara on May 1.
