AfriPulse
May 20, (THEWILL) — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary scheduled to hold on Thursday, confirming an earlier exclusive report by THEWILL on the mounting uncertainty surrounding his political future within the party.
Fubara announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday night titled, “My Decision To Withdraw From The Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.”
The governor said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates, and supporters, stressing that the peace, stability, and unity of Rivers State must take precedence over personal ambition.
“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,” Fubara stated.
THEWILL had earlier reported heightened uncertainty surrounding the governor’s position ahead of the APC governorship primary, following the disqualification of several political figures and aspirants believed to be aligned with his camp, amid growing indications that loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had consolidated control of the Rivers APC structure.
Before his withdrawal, the APC had cleared four aspirants for the primary election — Fubara, former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole, George Kelly, and Kingsley Chinda.
Cole had also stepped down from the race earlier on Wednesday, citing party unity and reconciliation.
In his statement, Fubara described leadership as a call to sacrifice, insisting that Rivers State was greater than the ambition of any individual politician.
“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 acknowledged the disappointment among his supporters, many of whom had invested heavily in his political project, but urged them to remain steadfast and committed to the APC.
“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 stated.
Fubara also hinted at intense political pressure and difficult behind-the-scenes negotiations, saying his silence in recent weeks had been deliberate and strategic.
“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 said.
“It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.”
The governor expressed appreciation to the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement throughout the 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 added.
Fubara maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness, fear, or political surrender, insisting that the decision was taken purely in the interest of preserving peace and unity in Rivers State.
“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.
He further pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.
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