Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in the state, announcing his decision in a personally signed statement on Wednesday night.
Fubara said he stepped down from the contest after what he described as deep reflection and consultations with close associates, stressing that the move was driven by a desire for peace, unity, and progress in the state.
“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 gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.
He further explained that leadership sometimes requires difficult sacrifices, adding that personal ambition must be secondary to the collective interest of the state.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey, who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel.
“Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.”
Fubara insisted that his withdrawal was not an act of weakness or defeat but one of principle aimed at preserving stability in Rivers State.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to remain in office and continue serving the people of the state until the end of his tenure.
Last week, the APC had screened Fubara alongside Kingsley Chinda, a known ally of Nyesom Wike and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the party’s governorship primary scheduled for Friday.
Following the screening exercise, Fubara was seen leaving without speaking to journalists, a development that intensified speculation that he may have been disqualified by the committee.
Reports also indicated that the APC screening panel had disqualified several allies of Fubara from Rivers State House of Assembly primaries while clearing candidates aligned with Wike’s camp.
The long-running political rift between Fubara and Wike has continued to shape the state’s political landscape, with tensions escalating to attempted impeachment moves against the governor.
Most lawmakers backing the impeachment process were reportedly loyal to Wike.
Wike had earlier vowed to oppose Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing him of breaching a peace agreement reportedly brokered under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu.
