Ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State, a group of elders and political stakeholders purchased nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The delegation carried out the purchase on Tuesday. It was led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency. The move was done without the direct involvement of the governor.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Abiante made it clear that the governor did not initiate the process. According to him, the decision came from the people.
“He didn’t send us here,” he said. “It is only after this that he may even become aware that we have acquired the forms. We are compelling him. He cannot escape from his people.”
He described the action as a reflection of public pressure. He added that it was not influenced by personal ambition from the governor. Instead, he called it a response to what many residents want.
Abiante explained further that the forms were funded through contributions from ordinary citizens across the state. He said the initiative was driven at the grassroots level.
He referred to it as a “people-funded” effort. According to him, it shows that political participation should not depend on wealth but on collective will.
The lawmaker also downplayed any surprise around the move. He noted that similar actions have happened in Nigerian politics. He gave the example of political groups buying forms for top leaders in the past.
He argued that such gestures are part of democratic culture. In his view, they reflect public endorsement rather than elite imposition.
The delegation pointed to ongoing projects under Fubara’s administration as justification for their action. They highlighted infrastructure works and economic plans as key reasons.
Among the projects mentioned were the Trans-Kalabari Road and the Andoni access route. They also spoke about the government’s focus on developing the Blue Economy in the state.
According to them, these projects have started to impact communities. They believe continuity will help sustain the progress already made.
Abiante also addressed concerns about political alignments in Rivers State. He insisted that the governor still enjoys strong backing from the people.
“This is the first time that the citizens of Rivers State have had someone who is committed to their service—a man who comprehends the struggles of the people,” he added.
For now, the governor has not made any public statement regarding the purchased forms. It remains unclear whether he will formally accept the gesture or make a declaration soon.
