Blessing Fubara, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, has dismissed speculation that his ambition is being bankrolled or politically directed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing such claims as “entirely false and politically motivated.”
Speaking on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a meeting with party supporters and journalists, the governorship hopeful insisted that his candidacy is driven by grassroots support and personal conviction, not by influence from any political patron or family connection.
“I have no political godfather; my only godfather is God Almighty,” he said. “The idea that I am a proxy or a backup plan for Governor Siminalayi Fubara is false. I am in this race on my own merit, with a clear vision to reposition Rivers State.”
The clarification comes amid growing political speculation in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, where shifting alliances and internal party tensions have continued to reshape the state’s political landscape.
Unconfirmed reports within political circles have suggested that the governor may be indirectly linked to emerging opposition arrangements, allegations both camps have repeatedly denied.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has previously distanced himself from claims of defection or covert involvement in opposition platforms, maintaining his current political alignment.
Blessing Fubara acknowledged that sharing a surname with the sitting governor has fueled public assumptions, but stressed that his campaign is structurally and financially independent.
He said his decision to contest under the NDC platform followed what he described as a commitment to “service-driven politics,” adding that he had no operational or financial ties to Government House.
The NDC candidate outlined priorities for his campaign, including youth employment, improved transparency in public administration, and strengthened local security structures in rural communities.
He also criticised what he called “overdependence on political godfathers,” arguing that such arrangements weaken governance and divert public resources away from development priorities.
“Rivers people deserve leadership that is accountable to them, not to individuals behind the scenes,” he said. “Our loyalty must be to the citizens.”
As political realignments continue across the state, analysts say emerging third-party candidates like Blessing Fubara could play a disruptive role in an already competitive race, particularly if voter dissatisfaction with dominant blocs persists.
With campaign activities expected to intensify in the coming months, Rivers State remains a key battleground in Nigeria’s evolving 2027 electoral landscape.