Rivers 2027: Fubara Withdraws From APC Guber Race

Rivers 2027: Fubara Withdraws From APC Guber Race

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Rivers State, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and political stability in the state.

Fubara announced his withdrawal in a statement personally signed and released on Wednesday night, barely hours before the scheduled APC governorship primary election.

In the statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said he arrived at the decision after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates, and close supporters.

According to him, the current political situation in Rivers State requires sacrifice and restraint from leaders who genuinely care about the future of the state.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” Fubara stated.

The governor stressed that Rivers State politics should not be driven by personal interests, adding that maintaining peace and stability was more important than pursuing his political ambition.

He also pledged to support whoever eventually emerges as the candidate of the APC in Rivers State, assuring party members that his commitment to the ruling party remains intact.

“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he added.

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Fubara thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout the political process despite mounting uncertainty surrounding his participation in the primary election.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel,” he said.

The governor further hinted at political pressure and difficult circumstances behind the scenes, noting that his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic.”

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he remarked, suggesting that certain political realities were better left undisclosed for the sake of peace.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement during the political process.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the APC, 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 stated.

The governor maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender, insisting that the decision was made purely out of conviction and sacrifice for the stability of Rivers State.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside 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 added.

Political Tension In Rivers

Fubara’s withdrawal comes amid months of intense political tension in Rivers State linked to the lingering power struggle between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The political crisis has continued to shape the state’s political landscape, with rival camps battling for control of party structures and influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Recent reports indicated that several politicians believed to be loyal to Fubara were allegedly sidelined during the APC screening process, fueling speculation about internal disagreements within the party.

The development is expected to significantly reshape the Rivers governorship race, while strengthening the influence of political blocs loyal to former governor Wike within the APC structure.

Political observers believe Fubara’s withdrawal may temporarily ease tensions within the ruling party and reduce the risk of further political confrontation in the oil-rich state.

Rivers 2027: Fubara Withdraws From APC Guber Race