2027: APC secretary urges Rivers to vote Tinubu, Fubara

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the people of Rivers State to rally behind the ruling party and support President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2027 general elections.

Basiru also praised Fubara for what he described as commendable governance strides and quality project delivery.

PUNCH Online reports that the prospect of Fubara seeking a second term has remained contentious following the political crisis in the state, which was triggered by a rift between the governor and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Following the intervention of Tinubu, a resolution was reportedly reached and signed by both parties.

It was widely reported that a key aspect of the agreement was that Fubara would not seek re-election in 2027.

However, Basiru appeared to offer renewed hope to the governor, whom he described as one of the latest entrants into the APC.

He spoke in Port Harcourt on Monday during the inauguration of the newly completed Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters at Elimgbu community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

Basiru described Rivers State as a shining example of APC governance, noting that the achievements recorded under Fubara reflected the party’s commitment to people-oriented leadership.

The APC national scribe expressed pride that Rivers State has become the first in the South-South region to be fully controlled by the APC, urging residents to consolidate the gains by supporting the party at all levels, particularly Tinubu and  Fubara.

Addressing Rivers residents, Basiru said, “We bring the goodwill of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to the good people of Rivers State, particularly one of the latest sign-ins into the pan-African, pan-Nigerian political party, the APC.

“As long as Governor Fubara is in the APC, he already has a junior from the North-Central. I congratulate the people of Rivers State for being part of this pan-Nigerian political party. By the entrance of Governor Fubara into the APC, the South-South geopolitical zone has become the first zone to have all APC governors.”

He added that the feat was followed by the North-Central, attributing the development to Tinubu, whom he described as a detribalised Nigerian who puts national interest above sentiment.

Basiru further said the APC believes in tolerance, equity and wisdom of leadership, noting that the party’s symbol, the broom, represents unity and collective progress.

Speaking on the housing project, he said shelter is a basic necessity of life, adding, “Mr Governor, you are not only providing accommodation for Permanent Secretaries, but you are also giving hope to those joining the public service in Rivers State today that one day they, too, can have befitting accommodation.

“You are saving the state significant resources because when people are comfortable in their jobs, the temptation to engage in sharp practices that undermine transparency, commitment and loyalty to the state is reduced.

“I congratulate our governor and our party because when the governor performs well, it reflects positively on the party. The only way Rivers people can reciprocate is to continue voting for the APC at all levels.

“In the fullness of time, during the general elections, the votes for our party, our governor and our President will be massive in Rivers State.”

In his remarks, Fubara said the housing initiative was designed to enhance productivity, improve the health and well-being of senior civil servants, and promote institutional stability within the public service.

He noted that providing decent accommodation for Permanent Secretaries would eliminate insecurity and uncertainty that could affect their performance and decision-making, especially for officers with family responsibilities.

Fubara recalled the prestige traditionally associated with the office of Permanent Secretary, stressing that such officials deserve official quarters and mobility to enable them to discharge their duties with dignity.

The governor assured that the housing scheme would not be limited to Permanent Secretaries alone, promising that other categories of civil servants would benefit from similar welfare interventions.

He also warned beneficiaries to safeguard the facility, directing the Head of Service to appoint a dedicated facility manager to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability.

Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who inaugurated the project, commended the governor for prioritising the dignity and welfare of public servants, describing the estate as a strategic investment in institutional continuity.

She noted that many senior civil servants across Nigeria lack official residences, adding that the Rivers project aligns with the Federal Government’s staff welfare objectives under President Tinubu’s administration.

Providing technical details, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate consists of 29 housing units—nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings—equipped with modern facilities, including a water treatment plant, synchronised power generators, CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, a gymnasium, recreational areas and landscaped green spaces.

Members of the APC National Working Committee, top government officials and other stakeholders were present at the event.