Fubara withdraws from APC governorship primary, cites peace and unity in Rivers

Politics

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (NPA) — Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the decision was taken “out of conviction and sacrifice” for peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.

In a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, the Rivers governor said he arrived at the decision after extensive consultations with family members, political associates and supporters.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries,” Fubara stated.

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The governor stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, fear or surrender, insisting that the move was made in the broader interest of the state.

“I do so not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he added.

Fubara’s withdrawal comes days after signs emerged that his path to securing the APC ticket may face serious political obstacles following his appearance before the party’s screening committee, where observers claimed he received a cold reception from some party stakeholders.

Political analysts believe the development is closely linked to the prolonged political crisis between Fubara and his former political ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The bitter power struggle between both camps plunged Rivers State into months of political instability, eventually resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency that effectively sidelined the governor from the affairs of government for more than six months.

The crisis, however, began to ease following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who brokered reconciliation talks between Fubara and Wike in a move aimed at restoring political stability in the oil-rich state.

Despite stepping down from the race, Fubara pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and the peace and stability of our state must always come first,” the governor said.

His withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Rivers State, where the contest for control of the APC structure and the governorship ticket has remained one of the most closely watched political battles ahead of the next general elections.