The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara, has rejected claims that he is being backed by a political godfather or acting as a stand-in for his elder brother, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Friday night, he maintained that his ambition is based on personal conviction and a clear political vision, not external influence or sponsorship.
“I don’t have a godfather but I have God the Father. You would also agree with me that if my ambition is determined by the grounds you are mentioning, it would mean I have no clear vision or focus for what I am working toward,” he said.
Blessing Fubara also sought to draw a distinction between his political views and those of the Rivers State governor, stressing that they do not share the same political ideology.
“My brother, Nigerians, and indeed the wider world saw what happened between him and his party. We have different political ideologies and individual perspectives,” he stated.
Addressing the political situation in Rivers State, the governorship hopeful said the focus should remain on addressing the state’s challenges rather than narratives being promoted by different interests
“It’s a trying moment for us in Rivers State and there are all sorts of narratives. They come with different narratives and try to set up a perspective for the people to run with but we are focused with our eyes on the ball that the sole of Rivers State must be rescued,” he remarked.
Blessing Fubara formally entered the 2027 governorship race after obtaining the NDC’s expression of interest and nomination forms. His emergence comes amid prolonged political tensions in Rivers State, largely stemming from the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The dispute has triggered a series of political confrontations, including impeachment threats, rival legislative factions, and multiple legal battles, leading Governor Fubara to pull out of the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries shortly before Blessing Fubara announced his own candidacy.
AB