Leaders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo zones have officially withdrawn their support for incumbent Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Instead, they have thrown their support behind the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and are urging political parties to consider an Ogoni/Oyigbo candidate for the governorship.
The leaders gathered on Saturday in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area, at an event called the “Ogoni, Oyigbo People’s Assembly.”
The assembly, which aimed to promote unity between the two ethnic zones, was well-attended by politicians loyal to Wike, who is currently in a political feud with Fubara, his former protégé.
Prominent figures such as Senators Barinada Mpigi and Magnus Abe, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, and Chief Victor Giadom were present at the meeting.
The group stressed that after years of being marginalized, it is time for Ogoni and Oyigbo to have a governor from their region.
Speaking on behalf of the assembly, Senator Mpigi stated, “The Ogoni and Oyigbo Peoples Assembly, a political convergence of five Local Government Areas within the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, met today to reaffirm their support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and pledged total loyalty to the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“We also emphasize the fact that the upland of the senatorial district is deserving of a governor and should produce the next governor of Rivers State in 2027.”
Tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara have been escalating, with Wike publicly withdrawing his support for his former ally.
Wike, who played a key role in Fubara’s political ascent, has accused the governor of deviating from their shared vision for the state.
Wike’s supporters have now aligned themselves with the call for an Ogoni or Oyigbo candidate, further isolating Fubara politically.
