Odita Sunday 
NRM Picks Minaibim Harry As Rivers Governorship Candidate, Promises New Era Of Unity, Security
By Odita Sunday
With political activities gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has unveiled Reverend Minaibim Harry as its flag bearer for the Rivers State governorship contest.
Harry emerged as the party’s consensus candidate on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, following the completion of the party’s selection process aimed at presenting candidates ahead of the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made by the party’s electoral committee, led by the National Deputy Chairman of NRM, South South, Dr. Lucky Ekeji, who explained that the candidate was carefully chosen from among other contenders.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Reverend Harry said his candidacy comes at a critical period in the history of Rivers State, stressing that his administration, if elected, would focus on restoring peace, improving security and creating opportunities for residents.
He said his vision extends beyond political promises, noting that his priority would include addressing youth unemployment, expanding access to housing and healthcare, and providing effective governance that impacts the lives of citizens.
“I know that everybody has been talking about peace, but I’ll bring peace on another level. I’ll bring security to the state, employment to the youth, housing, healthcare and all those things people have been talking about. I’ll just bring it to another level,” Harry said.
On the long-standing debate surrounding the Upland-Riverine divide in the state, the NRM candidate called for reconciliation and unity, describing the issue as one that has affected governance and social cohesion in Rivers State.
Harry maintained that while he hails from the Riverine area, he would govern as a leader for all residents of the state, irrespective of ethnic or geographical background.
“Reconciliation is the greatest need of Rivers State at this time. The problem of Upland-Riverine dichotomy is something that shouldn’t be there.
Unfortunately, it has ruined our governance for a very long time,” he said.
He added that his focus would be on bridging existing divisions and creating a government where every section of the state feels represented.
According to him, the identity of the party reflects its mission to rescue Rivers State from challenges such as insecurity, poverty and disunity.
“Rescue Movement is not just by name, we are going to see what rescue means in action.
We are going to rescue our young people from poverty. We are going to rescue our state from insecurity and disunity,” he stated.
Harry expressed appreciation to the party for the confidence placed in him and pledged to run an inclusive administration if given the opportunity to lead the state.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the primary election process to monitor proceedings.
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