Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
Fubara disclosed this in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, noting that he would back whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
The governor explained that the decision came after wide consultations with members of his family, close associates, and political allies.
“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 governorship 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 said.
The announcement comes amid increasing political shifts and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.
Fubara stated that despite stepping down from the contest, he remained fully committed to supporting the eventual candidate of the APC in the governorship race.
He stressed that leadership often requires sacrifice and that individual ambitions should sometimes be set aside for the collective 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 embattled governor also thanked his supporters for their loyalty, prayers, and sacrifices throughout the political process, while admitting that many of them might feel disappointed by his decision to withdraw.
He explained that his silence over the past few weeks had been “deliberate and strategic,” adding that his actions were guided by the overall interest of the state.
According to media reports, APC stalwart and 2027 governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, had also stepped down from the race, citing party unity among the reasons behind his withdrawal.
