Fresh cracks appear to be emerging within Rivers State's political landscape following a public disagreement over the 2027 general elections, as a leader of the Simplified Support movement has openly challenged Governor Siminalayi Fubara over his recent political endorsements.

Comrade Benjamin Jaja, a prominent figure within the Simplified Support group, said supporters should not be compelled to follow any political directive that dictates who they must support at the polls. Speaking on Friday, Jaja maintained that every member of the group, as well as Rivers voters generally, has the constitutional right to make independent electoral choices.

His remarks come days after Governor Fubara reportedly urged his supporters to stand with him in backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027 while also endorsing the emerging Rainbow Coalition and a preferred governorship candidate aligned with the political arrangement.

Reacting to the governor's position, Jaja argued that political support should be based on conviction rather than instruction.

"You can't tell us who to vote for," he said, stressing that the decision on who to support rests with individual voters.

The development suggests that not everyone within political groups previously associated with Governor Fubara is comfortable with the governor's latest alliances, raising fresh questions about party unity and loyalty as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.

Political analysts believe the disagreement reflects the increasingly dynamic nature of Rivers politics, where shifting alliances, internal negotiations, and competing interests continue to reshape the state's political landscape.

With less than two years before Nigerians return to the polls, observers say similar disagreements could become more frequent as politicians and support groups reposition themselves ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested election cycle.

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Fubara's office had not publicly responded to Comrade Jaja's comments.

Southern Report