Two prominent politicians in Rivers State, Edison Ehie and Boma Iyaye, say they have no ambition to contest the governorship of the state in the 2027 general elections.
Ehie, the immediate past Chief of Staff to incumbent Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Iyaye, an ally of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, stated this in separate statements in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Ehie was reacting to a poster circulating with his image alongside that of the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr Dakuku Peterside, depicting them as gubernatorial aspirant and running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
The poster, titled, “Rivers Must Be Free From the Hands of One Man,” carries a sub-theme at the bottom reading, “We Must Take Back Our Rivers 2027.”
Ehie, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, dissociated himself from the poster and described it as “mischievous and desperate.”
He said the narrative was false and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow discord.
Ehie stated, “My attention has been drawn to a mischievous and desperate poster circulating in the public space, falsely suggesting that I am aligned with a so-called agenda to ‘free Rivers from the hands of one man’ under a proposed 2027 ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress with Dr. Dakuku Peterside as Governor of Rivers State and me as Deputy Governor.
“Let it be stated clearly, firmly, and without ambiguity: this narrative is not only false, it is a calculated act of political propaganda designed to mislead the public, sow discord, and undermine the unity and stability currently being strengthened under the leadership of His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State.
“That said, I remain a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress and stand firmly and unequivocally with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“The inclusion of my name alongside that on the said poster is entirely unauthorized and misleading, and should be disregarded by all discerning citizens.”
Similarly, on his part, Iyaye also denied having any ambition to become Rivers State governor in 2027 and rejected claims that he had been endorsed by Wike.
Iyaye, who is a trusted ally of Wike, had been touted as the minister’s anointed replacement for Fubara, a notion fueled by speculation that Fubara may not secure a second term due to a perceived loss of confidence in the minister.
In his response to social media reports, Iyaye said, “My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media suggesting that I have declared an ambition for the office of the Governor of Rivers State and have been endorsed as a preferred candidate by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
“I wish to respectfully clarify that these reports are inaccurate and do not reflect the true position. At this time, my full attention and commitment remain focused on my responsibilities as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“I remain fully engaged in the discharge of my duties, working collaboratively with the leadership and stakeholders of the Commission to advance its mandate of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have not made any formal declaration regarding a governorship ambition, nor have I received any endorsement from the Honourable Minister or any other individual as being suggested. I hold the Honourable Minister in high regard and deeply appreciate his leadership and contributions to public service.”
Iyaye, who previously served as a two-time commissioner in the state, urged the public and media to rely on verified information and disregard any contrary reports concerning his alleged political ambition.
Wike recently stated that he had not endorsed any politician for next year’s governorship poll.
