Ambassador Blessing Fubara Senior, a relative of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has joined the contest for the state’s governorship seat under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), positioning himself as a consensus-driven candidate with a promise to serve only one term if elected.
He announced his ambition ahead of the party’s primary, framing his entry as part of a broader push for political stability, economic recovery, and renewed development focus in Rivers State.
Fubara said the state had, in recent years, missed key development opportunities due to recurring political tensions and instability, arguing that urgent “recalibration” was needed to restore its economic standing.
According to him, Rivers State’s current situation reflects accumulated governance challenges that have slowed growth and weakened investor confidence.
“We have lost opportunities, investments, and dignity as a people. Rivers State today is distressed and shortchanged,” he said.
He pledged that, if given the party’s ticket and eventual electoral mandate, his administration would prioritise peacebuilding, economic revitalisation, and inclusive governance. He also restated support for the state’s existing zoning arrangement, insisting that the Rivers South-East Senatorial District should be allowed to complete its agreed rotational tenure.
In a notable political commitment, he vowed to serve only a single four-year term, describing it as a sacrifice aimed at strengthening political balance and reducing tension around succession politics.
“It is time for a political reawakening to restore Rivers State to its rightful place as the treasure base of the nation,” he added.
Fubara called on delegates across all 23 local government areas to support his candidacy at the primaries, expressing confidence in grassroots mobilisation despite what he described as financial disparities among contenders.
While acknowledging the influence of well-funded opponents, he said popular support would be decisive in the contest.
“We may not match their financial capacity, but we have the people. That is our strength,” he said.
He also appealed for unity within the political family, urging stakeholders—including his elder brother and other aspirants—to consider consensus-building steps in the interest of stability and shared development goals.
He concluded by reiterating that his administration, if elected, would focus on restoring peace, strengthening institutions, and repositioning Rivers State for sustained economic growth.