…says Governor Sim Fubara will seek second t
A prominent public affairs analyst, Kingsley Wali, has predicted a highly charged political contest in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, insisting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will definitely seek a second term despite widespread speculation to the contrary.
In a strongly worded commentary titled “Run, Sim Will Run,” Wali, also known as Godfather, dismissed claims that Governor Fubara had entered into an agreement with President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to abandon a second-term bid.
According to him, such rumours underrate the political realities surrounding the governorship of Rivers State, which he described as “the second most powerful CEO position in Nigeria—only after the Presidency.”
He cited the records of former governors—Rufus Ada-George, Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike—to emphasize the political weight historically associated with occupying Government House, Port Harcourt.
Wali argued that anyone assuming Governor Fubara would forgo re-election “does so at their own peril,” noting that while the governor may not publicly engage in speculation, many of his supporters underestimate the strategic nature of Rivers politics.
He said President Tinubu was too experienced to attempt to dictate a single-term arrangement “at least not at this stage,” adding that the ongoing rivalry among political actors was typical of the state’s political landscape since 1999.
“Dear Rivers State indigenes, residents and voters, get ready for Rumble in Rivers II. It will be a bumpy ride, but it will pass. It’s all politics,” Wali wrote.
Reflecting on Governor Fubara’s earlier comment that President Tinubu “saved him” from a political crisis that could have removed him from office, Wali insisted that such dynamics do not mean the governor will be abandoned by the same forces that helped stabilize his administration.
“Now that Sim has survived, will he be thrown under the bus by the same fire officer who saved him? Na wa for you oo,” he said, hinting at evolving alliances.
Wali predicted an “end of an era” as the state heads into a new political battle, warning that the coming months would be unpredictable.
“As it is, we are the cabin crew and passengers. Prepare for takeoff. No one knows the duration of the flight—not even the pilots. But we will land,” he said.
The commentary has stirred renewed debate over political alignments in Rivers State as the build-up to 2027 gradually intensifies.
