As the Rivers State 2027 governorship election draws nearer, political leaders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo communities have set their sights on securing the governorship seat. These leaders are determined to replace the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and are advocating for unity among their people to achieve this goal. A major meeting took place in Nonwa, located in the Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, under the banner of the “Ogoni, Oyigbo People’s Assembly.”
This assembly was a significant political event attended by key figures, many of whom are supporters of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State. The relationship between Wike and Fubara, who was once his political ally, has soured, with Wike openly declaring that he will not back Fubara for a second term. This disagreement has intensified the political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections heat up.
Prominent individuals at the gathering included Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Magnus Abe, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, and Chief Victor Giadom. These leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Ogoni and Oyigbo ethnic groups, which both belong to the Rivers South-East Senatorial District—a region that produced Fubara as governor. However, with Fubara’s tenure nearing its end, these groups are pushing for one of their own to lead the state.
At the assembly, a resolution was read by Senator Mpigi, urging for the governorship slot in the Rivers State 2027 governorship election to be reserved for an Ogoni or Oyigbo candidate. This call was made in the spirit of unity, with the leaders emphasizing that both communities must work together if they hope to succeed. The leaders also demanded that major political parties in Rivers State give serious consideration to candidates from their zones, urging them to stand against Governor Fubara’s actions, which they described as damaging to their communities.
Senator Mpigi, in his address, also made a bold claim that some politicians were secretly visiting Aso Villa—the seat of the Nigerian presidency—at night to pledge their allegiance to President Bola Tinubu. He criticized this covert behavior, urging these politicians to openly declare their support for Tinubu during the day. Mpigi also encouraged President Tinubu to seek re-election in the 2027 general election, citing the need to continue improving the nation’s economy and to complete key infrastructure projects like the Coastal Roads and the Badagry Expressway. His statement highlighted the intertwining of local and national politics as the Rivers State 2027 governorship election draws closer.
In their collective resolution, the Ogoni and Oyigbo leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to Wike, describing him as the political leader of Rivers State and pledging their support for his leadership. They further expressed their belief that the upland areas of the senatorial district are overdue for the governorship and that 2027 should be the year they claim the office. This statement underscores the significance of the Rivers State 2027 governorship election for the Ogoni and Oyigbo people, who see this as their moment to take a leading role in the state’s governance.
Senator Mpigi reiterated his call for President Tinubu to run for another term, pointing to the unfinished projects that need to be completed. He listed infrastructure projects, such as the Coastal Roads and the Badagry Expressway, as critical developments that Tinubu should oversee. These statements reflected a larger theme of the meeting: the desire for continued progress both at the state and national levels.
The meeting also saw strong support for Wike’s efforts to unify the Ogoni and Oyigbo people politically. The leaders praised Wike’s ability to bring these two groups together and condemned recent remarks made by Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, who had criticized Wike. The leaders viewed Clark’s comments as divisive and reiterated their commitment to standing with Wike, especially as the Rivers State 2027 governorship election approaches.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who chaired the assembly, spoke about the political dynamics within the Rivers South-East Senatorial District. He pointed out that while the Ijaw people in the district had distanced themselves from the upland communities, the upland was now prepared to make a political statement that would change the state’s history in the upcoming 2027 elections. His remarks hinted at the determination of the Ogoni and Oyigbo people to assert their political relevance during the Rivers State 2027 governorship election.
Chief Victor Giadom, the South-South Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also addressed the gathering, thanking President Tinubu for the reforms his administration had undertaken. He echoed the calls for the major political parties to give serious consideration to the Ogoni and Oyigbo zones in the upcoming election. Giadom’s remarks reflect the growing confidence among these communities as they position themselves for greater political influence.
Senator Magnus Abe, who also spoke at the event, emphasized the need for peace and unity within the Ogoni and Oyigbo groups as they pursue their goal of producing the next governor. Dumnamene Dekor, the representative for Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, supported this call for unity, stating that the Ogoni and Oyigbo people have the capacity to lead Rivers State into the future.
Former federal lawmaker Emmanuel Deeyah praised both President Tinubu and Wike for their efforts to improve the lives of the Ogoni people. He highlighted the development projects they have supported and expressed confidence that these two leaders would continue to play a significant role as the 2027 governorship election approaches.