2027: Ex-Rivers Senatorial Candidate Dares Wike, Declares for Governorship Race

Dr. Fabeke Douglas, a former senatorial candidate and prominent Ogoni activist, has declared his intention to contest the Rivers State governorship election in 2027.

Douglas made the announcement during the unveiling of a development initiative known as “Operation Nehemiah.”

The programme, according to him, is designed to drive economic revival, social progress and spiritual renewal across Rivers State.

He explained that the platform would also serve as the foundation for his governorship ambition and a framework for rebuilding key sectors of the state’s economy.

The activist leads both the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (LOLI) and the Liberation Movement for Good Governance (LMGG). He previously contested the Rivers South-East Senatorial seat during the 2023 general election.

His new declaration places him among early contenders positioning themselves for the 2027 governorship race.

The former Rivers governor had earlier suggested during his recent tour of several local government areas that he would play a decisive role in determining who becomes the next governor of the oil-rich state.

Wike reportedly made the remarks while visiting 22 out of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. His comments came amid ongoing political realignments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Reports have also suggested that Fubara may not seek a second term after his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), though the governor has not formally announced his 2027 plans.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Douglas disclosed that he had already settled on a political platform that aligns with his political philosophy.

However, he did not immediately reveal the name of the party. He said preparations were underway for a major public meeting where he would formally unveil his political vision and agenda to Rivers residents.

Douglas expressed confidence that his leadership would usher in a new political direction for the state. He said Rivers possesses enormous economic potential that has not been fully harnessed over the years. According to him, his campaign would focus on building a more inclusive and economically vibrant state capable of competing on the global stage.

The Ogoni leader also pointed to his experience during the 2023 senatorial race as a major factor that shaped his decision to aim for the governorship. He said the lessons from that election, combined with extensive research conducted afterwards, convinced him that Rivers State requires a new approach to governance.

At the same event held in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, Douglas unveiled the 2026 budget of the Ogoni Community Empowerment Foundation. The foundation outlined several development projects aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and community development in the region.

One of the flagship projects highlighted was the proposed Global Entrepreneurship City in Ogoni. The initiative is expected to create opportunities for young people, promote small businesses and encourage innovation within the region.

Since Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, no indigene of Ogoni extraction has served as governor. Douglas said his ambition is partly driven by the desire to change that long-standing political history.

He insisted that the time had come for broader representation in the leadership of the state and expressed confidence that the people would support his aspiration in 2027.