A growing wave of political concern is emerging in Rivers State as public affairs analyst Opunabo Inko-Tariah calls on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to publicly declare his intention to seek re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday, Inko-Tariah expressed unease over what he described as unusually low political activity in the state. According to him, both political parties and key stakeholders appear unprepared, despite the proximity of electoral primaries.

The former media aide to Nyesom Wike highlighted what he termed “state capture,” alleging that influential forces are quietly shaping political outcomes behind the scenes. He warned that such dynamics could undermine democratic processes and the will of the electorate if not addressed early.

FG Issues Urgent Warning To Nigerians In South Africa Over Fresh Xenophobic Attacks

At the heart of Inko-Tariah’s concern is the apparent silence from Governor Fubara regarding his political future. He argued that this lack of clarity may be contributing to the subdued political environment currently observed across Rivers State.

“The primaries are fast approaching, yet the atmosphere remains unusually calm,” he noted. “This is not typical of Rivers politics, which is often vibrant and competitive.”

Despite the uncertainty, the analyst expressed strong confidence in Fubara’s political standing. He emphasized that the governor enjoys what he described as “organic support” from the people, suggesting that such grassroots backing could be decisive in a transparent electoral process.

Inko-Tariah went further to assert that even without high-level endorsements, including from the presidency, Fubara could still secure victory if elections are conducted fairly. He described the governor’s support base as authentic and deeply rooted within the state.

Tinubu Govt Unveils ₦10 Billion Housing Loan For Civil Servants

Beyond urging Fubara to declare his intentions, Inko-Tariah also raised alarms about the possibility of candidates being imposed on voters in the upcoming elections. He cautioned that the influence of powerful political interests might override the democratic choices of the people.

“There is a real risk that the will of Rivers people may not prevail,” he said, stressing the importance of transparency and fairness in both party primaries and the general election.

Interestingly, he hinted at potential backing for Fubara from the national structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), although this claim remains speculative. Regardless, he maintained that the governor’s strongest asset remains the support of the electorate.

As Rivers State inches closer to another election cycle, the call for political clarity is becoming more urgent. Analysts believe that a formal declaration from Fubara could energize the political space, prompting parties and aspirants to begin meaningful engagement with voters.

For now, the governor has yet to make any official statement regarding his re-election plans. However, voices like Inko-Tariah’s are amplifying pressure on him to step forward and define his political trajectory.

With concerns about democratic integrity and political participation mounting, the coming months are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of Rivers State politics.

Observers say that how events unfold could either reinforce public confidence in the electoral system or deepen skepticism about political influence and control.