Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in the state.
Fubara made the announcement in a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, where he explained that the move followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends, and political associates.
The governor said although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.
“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,” he stated.
Fubara stressed that leadership demands sacrifice and that the collective interest of Rivers State must override personal ambition.
“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,” he said.
The governor also addressed his supporters, acknowledging the disappointment many of them may feel following his withdrawal from the race.
“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 noted that his silence in recent weeks had been intentional, describing it as “deliberate and strategic,” while hinting at mounting political pressures behind the scenes.
“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,” the statement read.
While he did not disclose details of the pressures he referenced, the governor maintained that his decision should not be seen as an act of weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election 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 declared.
Fubara also thanked the APC leadership and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the political process.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement,” he said.
The governor urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the APC, which he described as “our collective home.”
He further assured Rivers people of his continued dedication to governance and service until the expiration of his tenure as governor.
Fubara’s withdrawal is expected to reshape the political calculations ahead of the Rivers governorship contest and may trigger fresh alignments within the APC in the state.