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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday evening announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in the state.
Fubara in a personally signed statement said he would continue to support whoever emerges as his party’s candidate.
According to him, his decision was taken after extensive consultation with his family, friends and political colleagues.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultation with my family, friends and colleagues, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primary. I do so wholeheartedly and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.
Fubara said although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever would emerge as the APC gubernatorial candidate.
According to him, leadership requires sacrifice and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interests of the people.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical time, peace, stability and unity of our beloved state must take precedence over personal interests,” he said.
Meanwhile, the criticized governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices during the political process, and acknowledged that many people would be disappointed by his resignation.
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He said his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” adding that it was guided by the country’s higher interests.
Fubara, who recently joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is battling it out with his predecessor, and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike.
Even though President Bola Tinubu has stepped in and brokered peace between the two figures, there are still hidden disputes.
The latest development comes after a similar withdrawal by APC chieftain and 2027 gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, who also announced his withdrawal from the race, saying his decision was, among other things, in the interest of party unity.
The governor hinted at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process, saying: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the woods is talked about in the marketplace.”
He added that some truths are best kept secret “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
Fubara thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given during the process and also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He urged the party’s loyal supporters to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home”.
However, the Governor emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.
“I am not stepping down because of weakness, fear or surrender, but because of faith and sacrifice so that Rivers State can move forward in peace and unity,” he said.
Fubara also promised to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his term of office.
He further stated, “Leadership is fundamentally about sacrifice. There are times when personal ambition must result in the greater good of the people. Rivers State is greater than any individual, and at this critical time, the peace, stability and unity of our country must take precedence over personal interests.
“To my supporters who stood firm with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest thanks. I understand the disappointment, anger, and pain many of you may be feeling.
“Much has been invested and much sacrificed on this journey. But please know that your loyalty and trust have never been in vain. My silence during this period was deliberate and strategic, always guided by the higher interests of our country and people.”
