Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara
By Frontline Reporters
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, saying he would support whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.
The governor said 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. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he stated.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State.
Fubara noted that although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting the eventual APC governorship candidate.
According to him, leadership demands sacrifice and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest 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,” he said.
The embattled governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.
He added that his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state.
Fubara also hinted at undisclosed political pressures surrounding the process.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he said.
“Some truths are best kept quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
The governor thanked the leadership of the APC for the opportunity given to him during the process and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home.”
Fubara, however, insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted 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.
The governor pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.
Meanwhile, APC chieftain and governorship aspirant, Tonye Cole, had earlier announced his withdrawal from the race, citing the need to preserve unity within the party.
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2026-05-20