By Our Correspondent
National News – Two prominent political figures in Rivers State, Edison Ehie and Boma Iyaye, have denied harbouring ambitions to contest the governorship election ahead of the 2027 polls.
The denials followed circulating political posters and social media reports suggesting they were positioning for the top seat in the oil-rich state.
Ehie, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissed a viral poster that portrayed him as a deputy governorship candidate alongside former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Director-General Dakuku Peterside.
The poster allegedly suggested both men would run under the African Democratic Congress platform in 2027.
Reacting in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, Ehie described the poster as false, mischievous and politically motivated.
According to him, the material was designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension in the state.
He stressed that he remains a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress and firmly supports Governor Fubara’s leadership.
Ehie also insisted he had never endorsed or participated in any political arrangement linked to the poster.
The former Chief of Staff explained that the use of his image alongside Peterside without his approval amounted to political propaganda intended to undermine unity in Rivers politics.
He urged residents to disregard the poster, emphasising that the state is currently focused on governance and development rather than premature campaign activities.
In a similar development, Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission and a known ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, also denied speculation about his governorship ambition.
Iyaye responded to reports circulating on social media claiming he had declared interest in the 2027 governorship race and had been endorsed by Wike as a preferred candidate.
He clarified that he has made no such declaration and has not received endorsement from any political leader.
According to Iyaye, his attention remains on fulfilling his responsibilities at the NDDC and working with stakeholders to drive development in the Niger Delta region.
The clarification comes amid growing political speculation in Rivers State about possible successors to Governor Fubara ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Observers say the statements by both politicians are intended to dispel rumours and prevent early political tension as the state continues to navigate evolving alliances within its political landscape.
