Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in the state.
Fubara announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday. He also pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
The governor said he took the decision after consulting extensively 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,” Fubara said.
His withdrawal comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.
Fubara admitted that the decision was difficult but insisted that leadership requires sacrifice and that 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 governor also thanked his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process. He acknowledged that many of them would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.
He described his silence in recent weeks as “deliberate and strategic,” saying he acted in the higher interest of the state.
Earlier, APC chieftain and governorship aspirant Tonye Cole also withdrew from the Rivers APC governorship race, citing party unity among his reasons.
Fubara Thanks Tinubu, Rejects Claims Of Weakness
Fubara hinted at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he said.
He added that some truths were better 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 APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process. He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
Fubara urged party members to remain united and committed to the APC, which he described as their “collective home.”
He, however, rejected suggestions that his withdrawal showed 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 also promised to continue serving Rivers people until the end of his tenure.
“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,” he added.
Fubara’s Political Crisis
Fubara rose politically under his predecessor and former ally, Nyesom Wike. He served as Rivers State Accountant-General before emerging as the PDP governorship candidate and winning the 2023 election with Wike’s backing.
However, both men later fell out over control of the state’s political structure, appointments and finances. The dispute triggered a prolonged political crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who remained loyal to Wike.
The crisis worsened after 27 lawmakers made moves against Fubara, while the governor’s camp questioned their legitimacy following alleged defections.
Authorities later demolished the Assembly complex as both camps exchanged court cases and political attacks.
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Fubara, his deputy and all lawmakers for six months, citing political instability and threats to governance and oil infrastructure.
During the suspension, retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas served as sole administrator.
Political negotiations later restored Fubara to office. Reports said Tinubu brokered the talks, which allegedly required Fubara to work with the Amaewhule-led Assembly, maintain peace with Wike’s camp and avoid immediate political confrontation ahead of 2027.