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By Ayo Kehinde
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole have formally withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, leaving former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, with an uncontested victory. Chinda, until April 27, 2026, was in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
He is the “anointed” candidate of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, with the active support of President Bola Tinubu.
Fubara announced his retirement in a statement released on Wednesday evening titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primary.”
The governor said his decision was the result of “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 made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so wholeheartedly and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.
There had been heightened uncertainty around the governor’s position ahead of the APC governorship primaries, following the disqualification of several political figures and aspirants believed to be aligned with his camp, amid growing indications that loyalists of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, had consolidated control of the APC structure in Rivers.
Prior to his withdrawal, the APC had cleared four primary election aspirants: Fubara, former APC gubernatorial candidate Tonye Cole, George Kelly and Kingsley Chinda.
Cole had also resigned from the race on Wednesday, citing party unity and reconciliation.
In his statement, Fubara described leadership as a call for sacrifice, insisting that Rivers State is bigger than the ambition of any single politician.
“Leadership is ultimately a matter of sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must give way to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual and, at this critical juncture, the peace, stability and unity of our dear State must take precedence over any personal interest,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the disappointment of 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 have stood steadfastly by my side throughout this journey and who have given their time, resources, prayers and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, anger and pain that many of you may feel,” he said.
Fubara also touched on the intense political pressure and difficult negotiations behind the scenes, saying his silence in recent weeks has been deliberate and strategic.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is told in the market. Some truths are best borne in silence, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” he said.
“Suffice it to say, I have faced enormous pressure 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 deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement,” he added.
Fubara maintained that his withdrawal should not be construed as weakness, fear or political surrender, insisting that the decision was made solely in the interest of preserving peace and unity in Rivers State.
“Let me be clear that I have withdrawn from participating in the forthcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State can move forward in peace and unity,” he said.
He further pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiry of his tenure.
Likewise, Cole Cole announced his retirement in a statement released on Wednesday after what he described as extensive consultations with members of his political team, supporters and key stakeholders within Rivers’ APC.
His withdrawal comes less than a week after the APC cleared four aspirants, including incumbent governor Siminalayi Fubara, Cole, George Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, to contest the governorship primaries.
Against the backdrop of the internal power struggle, Cole said his decision follows a recent stakeholders meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where discussions focused on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As a committed democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation and unity among various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party, the APC.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my policy team, associates, supporters and other key stakeholders, I have made the decision, in the paramount interest of party unity, peace and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and to withdraw from the upcoming primaries,” Cole said.
Cole also pledged his support to whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate after Thursday’s exercise.
