I Have No Godfather, Only God, Says Rivers NDC Candi

Blessing Fubara, a governorship candidate in Rivers State, Nigeria, has publicly distanced himself from political godfathers. He emphasized his independence from his brother, the current Governor, amidst ongoing political turmoil in the region.
Why it matters
Highlights the influence of political patronage and familial ties in Nigerian regional politics.
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara, has said he does not have a political godfather, stating that his only backing is God. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Friday night, Fubara said he holds different political perspectives compared to his brother, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He also dismissed suggestions that his ambition is merely an extension of his brother’s political project or that he is acting as a placeholder. He said, “I don’t have a godfather but I have God the father. You would also agree with me that if my ambition is determined by the grounds you are mentioning, it would mean I have no clear vision or focus for what I am working toward. “My brother, Nigerians, and indeed the wider world saw what happened between him and his party. We have different political ideologies and individual perspectives. Related News Ex-Ondo works commissioner dies at 88, Senator, APC elders mourn No reason to keep Nnamdi Kanu in detention, says Obi Democracy day protests signal APC facing rejection — Dagogo “It’s a trying moment for us in Rivers State and there are all sorts of narratives. They come with different narratives and try to set up a perspective for the people to run with but we are focused with our eyes on the ball that the sole of Rivers State must be rescued.” PUNCH Online reports that Fubara Snr formally joined the 2027 governorship race in May 2026 after picking up the NDC’s expression of interest and nomination forms. His entry comes against the backdrop of intense political turmoil in Rivers State, particularly the long-running feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The conflict has involved impeachment attempts, parallel legislative factions, and legal battles. Governor Fubara recently withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries. Blessing Fubara announced his candidacy days after. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
Provides a platform for the candidate's statement while contextualizing the political environment.
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