Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that several prominent political figures previously aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have now shifted their support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a political engagement, Fubara named former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Uche Secondus; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and former Minister of Transportation, Abiye Sekibo, as key Atiku loyalists who have decided to join him in backing President Tinubu for a second term.

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The governor disclosed that he has faced intense pressure and alleged blackmail in some quarters over the political realignment, noting that their previous association with Atiku had been used against him by opponents.

“I have been blackmailed in several places because of our past support for Atiku,” Fubara said, adding that the current political direction was deliberate and well thought out.

In what appeared to be a veiled response to the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the governor used a metaphor to dismiss criticisms and opposition.

“When you see a dog barking, it shows it doesn’t understand. We know where we are going, and we have set all the things that are needed to make the journey smooth,” Fubara stated.

The comments signal a deepening realignment within Rivers State politics and highlight ongoing shifts among influential political actors ahead of future national contests.