Hon. Prince Gerald Oforji, representing Oyigbo State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, has received the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rainbow Coalition flag as he prepares to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections. This development signifies his emergence as the coalition’s candidate, a significant step in his bid to return to the State Assembly. Oforji, a former Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, was among the returning lawmakers unveiled as candidates of the APC Rainbow Coalition at a ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The event, which attracted prominent political leaders from within and outside Rivers State, including the National Rainbow Coalition leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was well-attended by a mammoth crowd of supporters. The presentation of the flag to Oforji was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from supporters, reflecting the political support he enjoys in Oyigbo and the wider Rivers political landscape. This display of support underscores the enthusiasm surrounding his re-election bid and the political significance of his candidacy in Oyigbo.
Oforji is regarded as one of the lawmakers who maintained strong political loyalty to Chief Wike during periods of intense political realignment in Rivers State. This position has remained a notable feature of his political journey. His emergence as the coalition’s candidate adds another chapter to the political history of Oyigbo, particularly given his previous experience as local government chairman before his election to the State Assembly. The Oforji family equally occupies a place in the political history of Oyigbo, with the late Precious Oforji remembered for his contributions to the area’s political development.
The family’s legacy continues to feature in discussions about the constituency’s political evolution. As the 2027 elections approach, Oforji’s re-election bid will place his record in the State Assembly, political alliances, and relationship with his constituents at the centre of the contest for the Oyigbo seat. With the presentation of the Rainbow Coalition flag, Oforji is set to enter the 2027 electoral contest under the APC platform, seeking another mandate to represent Oyigbo State Constituency.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the State to maintain neutrality, ensure fairness, and uphold peace in their domains as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Fubara gave the charge while declaring open the 126th, 127th, and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt. The governor emphasized the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.
Fubara urged the royal fathers to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of stability and progress of the State. He also enjoined them to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State. The governor clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests made by traditional rulers in the past was not from the government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.
The governor assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office, next year. He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support. With Oforji’s re-election bid gaining momentum, the political landscape in Oyigbo and Rivers State as a whole is set to witness increased activities in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- - Hon. Prince Gerald Oforji receives APC Rainbow Coalition flag to seek re-election in 2027. - Oforji was unveiled as the coalition’s candidate at a ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. - Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, charges traditional rulers to maintain neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
