A youth activist, Dr. Tom FredFish, has urged All Progressives Congress, APC, governors under the umbrella of Progressive Governors Forum, to rise above political silence and collectively defend justice, fairness and democratic principles.
He was reacting to the travails of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists, who were reported screened out from APC primary elections.
He said, “There is a rising concern over deliberate attempt to politically sideline Governor Fubara through the alleged screening out of his loyalists, while individuals who only recently aligned with the party structure are allegedly being favored because of their loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.”
According to him, such actions undermine internal democracy and promote a dangerous political culture where loyalty to powerful individuals is placed above commitment, consistency and democratic participation.
FredFish stressed that Governor Fubara deserves the same privileges, recognition, political protection and opportunities accorded to every APC governor across the federation, including the right to freely seek a second term without intimidation or political obstruction.
“The Progressive Governors Forum must do more than remain silent observers. They must stand firmly with one of their own and defend the principles of fairness and justice within the party structure,” he stated.
He further urged the Forum to mobilize its members for a courtesy visit to Bola Tinubu in order to collectively demand that Governor Sim Fubara be cleared to contest for a second term and be accorded all rights and privileges due to him as a serving APC governor.
FredFish maintained that the governors possess enough collective influence, moral authority and political weight to protect democratic values and prevent the normalization of selective treatment and internal political intimidation.
“What is happening to Sim Fubara today can happen to any governor tomorrow if leaders continue to keep quiet in the face of injustice. The time has come for the governors to speak with one voice and protect the integrity of democratic leadership within their party,” he added.
He warned that continued marginalization of loyal party members in favor of political newcomers sends the wrong signal to young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who believe in loyalty, service, and democratic engagement.