The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has endorsed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing his leadership style, development drive and resilience amid political pressure.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday by the President of the Council, Theophilus Alaye, who said the decision followed wide consultations across the Ijaw nation and a review of governance trends in Rivers State.
According to Alaye, the council’s support reflects confidence in Fubara’s ability to sustain peace, deepen development and protect the constitutional authority of the office of governor.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide hereby gives its total and unequivocal endorsement to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in 2027,” he said.
The backing comes weeks after Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 9, 2025, a move that followed prolonged political tension with former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of party structures in the state.
Several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier joined the APC, a development that positioned Fubara as a key political figure within the ruling party ahead of the next election cycle.
The IYC commended the governor for maintaining focus despite what it described as persistent political distractions, noting progress in infrastructure renewal, urban development, youth empowerment, job creation, education, healthcare delivery and peacebuilding.
The council also cautioned against external political interference in Rivers State, insisting that patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We do not recognise or support any political arrangement aimed at undermining the constitutional mandate of the Governor of Rivers State,” Alaye stated.
Drawing parallels with other political leaders who were allowed room to govern without undue interference, the IYC argued that Fubara deserves similar respect and political space.
The group further urged the Federal Government and the leadership of the APC to respect the will of Rivers people, warning that adherence to democratic principles would be critical to political stability in the state.
Political observers say the endorsement by the Ijaw Youth Council, a major socio-political force in the Niger Delta, signals growing grassroots consolidation behind Fubara and could significantly shape the political landscape of Rivers State as 2027 approaches.
2027: Ijaw Youth Council Backs Fubara for Second Term
