No fewer than 25 groups have pledged to refund the ₦50 million nomination and expression of interest fee for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of his second-term bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The forms had earlier been purchased on behalf of the governor by party elders and stakeholders. However, the coalition—under the banner of the Coalition of Greater Nigeria Groups (GNG)—said it remained committed to contributing to the process by reimbursing the amount.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, described the move as a collective effort by Rivers stakeholders aimed at advancing the overall interest of the state.
The coalition’s spokesman, Comrade Jinadu Suleiman, explained that members had mobilised to procure the forms themselves, with plans for a symbolic rally on May 2, but were preempted by APC stakeholders.
“Delegations from our various groups had already arrived Abuja for the planned purchase of the nomination forms for Governor Fubara, only to learn that the forms had been obtained earlier. Nevertheless, we will proceed to refund the fee, as we consider it a contribution to a historic process,” Suleiman said.
He added that the gesture was meant to encourage the governor and demonstrate widespread support for his leadership both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The coalition maintained that Fubara’s performance in office, despite political distractions, has become a major selling point for the APC in Rivers State. According to the groups, the governor’s achievements across infrastructure, security, and social welfare have strengthened public confidence in his administration.
They highlighted prompt payment of salaries and pensions, renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, construction of staff quarters, and development of a 20,000-unit housing project. They also cited the launch of a ₦4 billion SME loan scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
On security, the coalition pointed to the procurement of a surveillance helicopter for the Nigerian Air Force, donation of operational vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, and additional support to agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Navy.
They further listed several ongoing and completed road projects, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road and multiple link roads connecting riverine communities to urban centres.
The coalition concluded that Fubara’s record within a relatively short period justifies another term in office, expressing confidence that he would secure victory at the polls regardless of political platform.
