As political conversations slowly gather momentum in Rivers State, fresh calls have emerged urging Siminalayi Fubara to formally signal his intention for a second term in office, even amid uncertainties surrounding alliances at the federal level.
The call was made by Opunabo Inko-Tariah, a public affairs commentator and former media aide to Nyesom Wike. Speaking in Port Harcourt, he expressed concern over what he described as unusually low political activity in the state despite the proximity of another election cycle.
Rather than the typical buildup associated with major elections, Inko-Tariah noted a visible lull among political actors and parties. In his view, this silence may be tied to deeper structural issues affecting the state’s political landscape.
Gossip News Now reports that he attributed the slow pace of political engagement to the influence of entrenched interests, suggesting that certain forces may be shaping outcomes behind the scenes, thereby discouraging open competition.
Despite these concerns, he maintained that Governor Fubara still enjoys significant grassroots backing, which could prove decisive regardless of external endorsements. According to him, public support remains the governor’s strongest political asset.
He emphasized that the governor’s chances should not be measured solely by his relationship with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that electoral success in Rivers would ultimately depend on voter sentiment rather than elite approval.
Reframing his position in a more assertive tone, Inko-Tariah suggested that even in the absence of federal backing, a transparent electoral process would likely favor Fubara due to his connection with the people.
He also pointed out that emerging political signals indicate possible backing from certain national figures, though he stressed that such support would only complement—not determine—the governor’s prospects.
Beyond encouragement, Inko-Tariah issued a subtle warning about the integrity of the upcoming elections. He raised concerns that the democratic will of the electorate could be undermined if candidate selection processes are manipulated.
In his assessment, the fear of imposed candidates remains a real challenge, one that could shape the political atmosphere in the state as the elections draw closer.
Analysis and Commentary
The situation in Rivers State reflects a broader national pattern where grassroots popularity often competes with elite political influence. While endorsements from powerful figures can shape narratives, they do not always guarantee electoral victory.
For Fubara, the path forward appears to rest on balancing institutional relationships with the organic support base that brought him into office. Declaring early could solidify his position, but it may also intensify political tensions within the state.
Ultimately, the unfolding dynamics suggest that Rivers will be a critical test case for how far voter-driven politics can withstand the pressures of political control and influence in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
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