Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara disclosed this in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, stating that he would fully support whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.
According to the governor, the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, friends, and political associates.
“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,” he said.
The governor explained that although the decision was painful, leadership requires sacrifice and commitment to the greater good of the people.
He stressed that the peace, stability, and unity of Rivers State must take priority over personal political ambition.
“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,” Fubara stated.
The withdrawal comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fubara also thanked his supporters for their loyalty, prayers, and sacrifices throughout the political process. He admitted that many supporters might feel disappointed by his decision but urged them to remain calm and committed to the party.
The governor described his silence in recent weeks as “deliberate and strategic,” noting that it was guided by the higher interest of the state.
He hinted at political pressures surrounding the process but chose not to disclose details.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he added.
Fubara further appreciated the leadership of the APC for the opportunity given to him during the process. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their collective home.
The governor insisted that his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness or surrender.
“I stepped aside 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 said.
Fubara also pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his tenure.
The political crisis in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023 following a fallout with his predecessor and political ally, Nyesom Wike.
The dispute centered on control of the state’s political structure, appointments, and finances, leading to a prolonged power struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The crisis later escalated into legal battles, impeachment threats, and political confrontations that disrupted governance in the state.
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all lawmakers for six months over political instability and security concerns.
Following political negotiations, the governor was later reinstated after reportedly agreeing to work with the Amaewhule-led Assembly and maintain peace with Wike’s political camp.
Meanwhile, APC chieftain Tonye Cole had earlier withdrawn from the governorship race, citing party unity among the reasons for his decision.
