2027: Fubara Will Go To The NDC, And He Will Try; He Might Even Win The Election- Otubanjo

In a recent interview on Arise TV, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Professor Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, reacted to the political developments in Rivers State and the growing uncertainty surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s future ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the interview, Otubanjo analyzed the fallout from Fubara’s withdrawal from the APC governorship primary election and the wider implications for both the ruling party and opposition forces in Rivers State. 

He argued that the ongoing political crisis could significantly reshape alliances ahead of the next governorship contest.

While discussing possible political scenarios, Otubanjo stated, “Fubara will go to the NDC, and he will try; he might even win the election.” 

He made the remark while explaining that the Rivers governor may eventually seek political survival through another platform if tensions within the APC continue unresolved.

According to the political analyst, many residents of Rivers State may sympathize with Fubara due to the circumstances surrounding his political challenges. He noted that attempts to push the governor out of the political structure could strengthen his public support rather than weaken it.

Otubanjo argued that the opposition could take advantage of the divisions within the APC, especially if Fubara aligns himself with another political movement before the election. 

He maintained that Rivers politics remains highly competitive and unpredictable, making it difficult to rule out any possible outcome ahead of 2027.

The professor also stressed that political influence in Rivers State should not be measured solely by control of party structures. 

He explained that voter sentiment and public perception would play a major role in determining who eventually emerges victorious in the next election cycle.

Otubanjo further observed that recent political realignments across the country, including the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as ADC presidential candidate and discussions surrounding Peter Obi’s political future, indicate that opposition parties are already repositioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

He concluded by warning that unresolved internal crises within major political parties could create opportunities for unexpected political outcomes, particularly in strategic states like Rivers.