Governor’s exit, 24 hours to primary, follows “immense pressures” and boosts Wike-backed camp; Tonye Cole also withdraws
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries scheduled for Thursday, saying the decision was made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in the state.
In a personally signed statement released Wednesday night, Fubara described the move as “difficult but necessary,” adding that he remains committed to supporting whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
“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.” — Gov. Siminalayi Fubara
WITHDRAWAL FOLLOWS “DEEP REFLECTION” AND POLITICAL PRESSURE
The governor said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family, friends, and political associates. He acknowledged the “disappointment, anger, and pain” supporters may feel, noting his silence before the announcement was “deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people”.
Fubara hinted at behind-the-scenes turmoil, stating: “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”. He added that he had faced “immense pressures and difficult choices,” but insisted the withdrawal was “not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice”.
He thanked the APC for the platform and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “support and encouragement”, urging party faithful to “remain steadfast and committed” to building a united future. Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Rivers State until the end of his current term.
ANALYSIS: WIKE FEUD LOOMS LARGE OVER EXIT
Fubara’s withdrawal comes barely 24 hours before the primary and follows weeks of speculation over his political future within the ruling party. The move is widely seen as a boost for candidates backed by his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, a PDP member serving as FCT Minister in the APC-led federal government, has repeatedly insisted that Fubara would not secure a second term in 2027. The two have been locked in a prolonged battle over control of the state’s political structure, governance, and resources. Wike’s recent meeting with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda in Abuja further heightened uncertainty around Fubara’s ambition.
Fubara appeared before the APC screening panel in Abuja but declined to speak with journalists after the exercise.
COLE ALSO STEPS DOWN
In a related development, frontline aspirant Architect Tonye Patrick Cole also withdrew from the contest. Cole said his decision was driven by “love for Rivers State and respect for the supremacy of the party,” adding that he had consistently pushed for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among APC stakeholders.
Others cleared to contest the primaries against Fubara included Kingsley Chinda and Dax George-Kelly.
The withdrawal marks the latest chapter in Rivers’ deepening political crisis that has unsettled the state for months. Fubara stressed that “Rivers State is bigger than any individual” and that “the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest”.
