Ambassador Blessing Fubara Senior, brother of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has officially declared his intention to contest the governorship election under the banner of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). He has pledged to serve only a single four-year term if elected.
Fubara made this announcement ahead of the party's primary activities, presenting himself as a capable and experienced candidate dedicated to restoring peace, economic prosperity, and political stability in Rivers State.
The governorship aspirant lamented that the state has lost its standing as one of Nigeria's foremost economic hubs. He called for a collective effort by the people of Rivers to reclaim what he described as the state's lost glory.
“I am offering myself as a ready, competent, and energetic candidate to restore the soul of Nigeria and restore the soul of Rivers State,” Fubara declared.
He highlighted the impoverishment of Rivers people and the loss of investment, dignity, and opportunities. He urged a united uprising across party lines, ethnic groups, and political affiliations to “take over our state and return our dear Rivers State to the zenith of the state as it was known, as the treasure base of the nation.”
Contrasting the state's past economic prosperity with its current distressed condition, Fubara stated, “Today, we see a Rivers State that is distressed. Today, we see a Rivers State that is shortchanged. Today, we see a Rivers State that is almost seeming like a conquered state. No. We are not conquered people.”
He appealed to supporters across all 23 local government areas to participate actively in the party primaries, claiming the backing of over two million card-carrying NDC members statewide.
Fubara also pledged to serve only one term, explaining that this decision is necessary to preserve the state's senatorial rotation arrangement. He argued that allowing Rivers Southeast Senatorial District to complete its expected eight-year tenure would help sustain political balance and stability.
“It will set a wrong and dangerous precedent if we alter the senatorial rotation of leadership and governance in Rivers State,” he said.
If elected, Fubara's administration would focus on restoring peace, encouraging investment, and driving development across the state.
The NDC primaries are currently ongoing nationwide ahead of the next governorship election.
