By Ogochukwu Isioma
PORT HARCOURT – The National Democratic Party (NDP) has unveiled Dr. Silva Opusunju as its governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Opusunju emerged through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary election held last weekend in Port Harcourt, with party leaders and delegates expressing confidence in his capacity to provide purposeful leadership and reposition the state for sustainable growth.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Opusunju thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work towards restoring Rivers State to its pride of place among Nigeria’s leading states, if elected.
According to him, the time had come for a leadership driven by competence, vision and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people, while assuring that he was not out to fight anybody.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence that the National Democratic Party has placed in me. This is not about one individual. It is about the future of Rivers State and the collective desire of our people to see the state rise again,” Dr. Opusunju said.
“The Rivers State of our dreams is possible. We can restore the state’s lost glory through responsible leadership, economic revitalisation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and inclusive governance. Our people deserve a government that works for everyone.
“We will be more united. We are not fighting anybody, and we will not abuse our elders. Every person of Rivers origin who has served as governor, minister, or as a state or federal lawmaker has done their best. We are going to build on those efforts,” he added.
Opusunju further assured Rivers residents that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritise job creation, industrial growth, security, education and investments capable of unlocking the state’s enormous economic potential.
“We must move beyond politics of division and focus on development. Rivers has the human and natural resources to become one of Africa’s leading economic destinations. What is required is visionary leadership and the political will to serve the people,” the Rivers governorship hopeful noted.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the NDP, Allwell Igbor, described Opusunju as a credible, experienced and dependable leader with the capacity to provide the kind of leadership Rivers State currently requires.
“After extensive consultations within our party, we are convinced that Dr. Silva Opusunju possesses the character, competence and experience needed to move Rivers State forward. He is a man with a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to public service.
“I have no doubt that Rivers people will find in him a leader who understands their aspirations and is prepared to work tirelessly to improve their lives. The NDP is presenting a candidate with the capacity to unite the state and drive meaningful development.”
On his part, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Bagbi A. Bagbi, described Opusunju as a seasoned politician and administrator whose experience across various sectors places him in a strong position to lead the state.
“Dr. Opusunju is not new to public service or political leadership. He has demonstrated over the years that he possesses the knowledge, courage and vision required to address the challenges facing Rivers State.
“He is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of governance and development issues. We are confident that his candidacy offers Rivers people a credible alternative and a genuine opportunity for transformation.”
Dr. Opusunju is a lawyer of international repute, public affairs analyst and seasoned political strategist with decades of experience in politics and governance.
He previously contested for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and has remained an active voice on issues of governance, economic development and national politics.
His political portfolio includes service as Director of Finance of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Campaign, Pioneer Secretary of the PDP South-South Zonal Working Committee and Pioneer Secretary of the National Democratic Party in Rivers State.
Over the years, he has consistently advocated industrialisation, economic diversification, youth empowerment and strategic investment as pathways to sustainable development in Rivers State.
With his emergence, the stage appears set for what political observers expect to be a keenly contested governorship race in Rivers State in 2027 as political parties begin to position themselves ahead of the election.
For the NDP, however, the unveiling of Dr. Silva Opusunju signals the beginning of what party leaders describe as a renewed effort to offer Rivers people a development-focused alternative built on competence, unity and good governance.
