A public affairs analyst and media publisher, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, has urged the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to clearly state whether he plans to run for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
Inko-Tariah, who previously served as a media aide to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, said he is concerned about the low level of political activities in the state despite the approaching elections.
According to him, this lack of movement among politicians and political parties is unusual at this stage of the electoral cycle, when strategies, alliances, and campaigns are typically beginning to take shape.
He explained that many political actors in Rivers State appear to be waiting or holding back, which he believes is slowing down the democratic process. He warned that such inactivity could weaken political participation and reduce public engagement ahead of the elections.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Inko-Tariah blamed the situation on what he described as “state capture,” a situation where powerful individuals or groups exert strong influence over political decisions and institutions. He suggested that this could be discouraging open political competition and limiting the ability of candidates to freely declare their ambitions.
Despite these concerns, he encouraged Governor Fubara to take advantage of what he described as strong grassroots support across the state. He said the governor still enjoys goodwill among many residents and should use that support to confidently announce his re-election bid.
According to Inko-Tariah, in a truly free and fair election, Fubara stands a strong chance of winning based on popular support alone, regardless of endorsements from powerful political figures or institutions. He stressed that the backing of the people is more important than elite political support.
He also claimed that there are indications that some members of the ruling political structure at the national level may be favourably disposed toward the governor, although he did not provide specific details.
However, he expressed concern about the possibility that the will of the people might not be fully respected during the 2027 elections in Rivers State. He warned that there is a risk of candidates being imposed on voters, rather than emerging through transparent and democratic processes.
Inko-Tariah concluded by calling for greater political openness, early declarations by aspirants, and a more active role for political parties to ensure that the upcoming elections reflect the true wishes of the people of Rivers State.
