Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced a significant political alignment, revealing that prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the state, including Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Alabo Abiye Sekibo, and former governor Sir Celestine Omehia, have formally pledged their support for his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu. This revelation was made during the 2026 New Year State Banquet held on Thursday night at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Governor Fubara emphasized that the visible presence of these respected political figures at the banquet served as an overt declaration of their commitment, thereby dispelling any notions of clandestine or ‘corner-corner’ political maneuvering. He explicitly stated, “Prince Uche Secondus, Right Honourable Austin Opara, His Excellency Celestine Omehia, and others here with us have joined us at this New Year Banquet to tell the world that they stand with the administration of Siminalayi Fubara.” He further clarified the implications of their support, adding, “You are sitting with us boldly so that people will know you are not doing ‘corner-corner’ politics, but standing with Fubara. And because you are standing with Fubara, your support is for Mr. President.”

Fubara extended his gratitude to the leaders for their decision, acknowledging the substantial political weight and significance of their public endorsement. He also reflected on past challenges, noting, “We’ve been blackmailed in several places because of your political activities and your names. But I’m happy that you told me you would come and sit with us so that the world will know that you’re with us and have no affiliation whatsoever with any other group against Mr. President.” The governor underscored that this crucial decision transcended mere personal loyalty, instead being rooted in the collective interest of safeguarding Rivers State. He cautioned against potential misinterpretations, drawing an analogy: “Caesar once said the only reason why the dog barks is when it doesn’t understand. If you have a dog in your house and the dog knows you, does it need to bark? So when the dogs start barking, maybe they’re saying something they don’t understand. We’re not barking because we understand. We know where we’re going.” He concluded his address by assuring guests that all necessary arrangements were in place to ensure a smooth and effective governance journey for the state.

This significant political development unfolds amidst escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Wike, who played a pivotal role in Fubara’s ascension to power in 2023, recently accused the governor of reneging on peace accords that were brokered by President Tinubu following their initial public disagreement. The FCT Minister has consistently reiterated the principle that “agreement is agreement,” and has publicly advised the people of Rivers State against re-electing Fubara in the upcoming 2027 elections. The public declaration of support from these key PDP stalwarts for Fubara’s administration, therefore, takes on added significance within the context of this ongoing and high-stakes political feud.