Latest News: Fubara withdraws from 2026 APC governorship primaries

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a dramatic development that has intensified political discussions over the protracted power struggle in Rivers State.

Fubara announced his decision in a personally signed statement on Wednesday evening, citing the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in the state, pledging support to whoever emerges as the APC candidate.

The withdrawal is widely seen as the latest twist in the ferocious political crisis that erupted between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, following their fallout over control of the state’s political structure.

Crisis that shook Rivers’ politics

Rivers’ political crisis began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023 with the support of Wike, who played a central role in his rise as governor.

The relationship between the two men later deteriorated amid allegations of attempts to control political appointments, party structures and governance decisions within the state.

What began as an internal disagreement quickly escalated into a full-scale political clash involving lawmakers, party loyalists and key government officials.

The division within the Rivers State House of Assembly has become one of the clearest signs of the worsening crisis, as lawmakers split into rival camps loyal to both political figures.

Struggle for political control

Political observers say the conflict has been largely driven by the battle for dominance over the political machinery of Rivers State.

While Wike’s supporters sought to maintain influence over party structures and state institutions, Fubara’s camp pushed for greater political independence of the governor.

The rivalry has triggered repeated political tensions, legal disputes, security concerns and impeachment threats that have roiled the state’s governance for several months.

The crisis has also created uncertainty about the future political direction of Rivers State ahead of subsequent elections.

Tinubu’s peace intervention

As tensions intensified, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepped in to mediate between the warring camps in a bid to restore stability.

Although the intervention produced a temporary peace agreement, political distrust reportedly remained unresolved beneath the surface.
Analysts believe that both camps have continued strategic political mobilization despite public efforts at reconciliation.

APC and mounting pressure calculations

Fubara’s move to the APC further complicated the political equation within Rivers State.

His entry into the ruling party has given rise to new negotiations over control of the governor’s post and the party’s future leadership structure in the state.

In his retirement statement, the governor admitted that he faced “enormous pressure and difficult choices,” a comment widely interpreted as an indication of intense political pressure from influential stakeholders.

Political analysts believe the governor may have stepped aside to avoid worsening divisions within the APC and to prevent another wave of destabilizing political conflict in Rivers State.

Mixed reactions follow withdrawal

The governor’s withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders and political supporters.

While some APC loyalists described the move as a sacrifice made in the interest of peace and unity of the party, others argued that it reflected the intense political pressure surrounding the Rivers crisis.

The governor’s supporters also expressed disappointment, insisting that Fubara still enjoys significant popular support across the state.

What future for Rivers’ politics?

Although Fubara has vowed to support the future APC candidate, political observers believe his withdrawal may not completely end the rivalry between competing political blocs in Rivers State.

Questions also remain regarding the governor’s future political role, the fate of his loyalists within the APC, and whether lasting peace can indeed be achieved in the state’s turbulent political environment.

For now, his withdrawal appears to have eased immediate tensions ahead of the APC primaries, but analysts insist the broader struggle for political influence in Rivers State is far from over.