Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary race ahead of the 2027 general election, a development that has sent shockwaves across the political landscape in Rivers State. The governor announced his decision on Wednesday, saying it came after extensive consultations with family members, political associates, and close supporters.
Fubara described the decision as difficult but necessary, stressing that the peace, stability, and unity of Rivers State must take priority over personal ambition. According to him, leadership sometimes demands sacrifice, especially at critical moments when the collective interest of the people is at stake. He pledged his full support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate for the state.
The governor’s withdrawal is coming amid deep political realignments and lingering tensions within the Rivers APC following the prolonged power struggle between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The crisis has continued to shape the political direction of the state, with several party factions battling for influence ahead of the next election cycle. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Fubara’s announcement also followed recent controversies surrounding the APC screening process in Rivers State. Reports had earlier suggested that several aspirants believed to be loyal to the governor faced challenges during the party’s screening exercise, while politicians aligned with Wike reportedly secured dominance within the process.
Interestingly, the withdrawal came barely weeks after APC stakeholders in Rivers reportedly purchased nomination forms for Fubara as part of efforts to back his second-term ambition. Several support groups within the party had also openly endorsed him alongside President Bola Tinubu for another term in office.
In another dramatic twist, APC chieftain Tonye Cole also announced his withdrawal from the race, citing party unity and the need to respect decisions reached after consultations with the party leadership. Cole said the APC must remain united ahead of the 2027 elections and urged supporters to remain peaceful and loyal to the party.
Despite growing speculations over his political future in recent weeks, Fubara had earlier reaffirmed that he remains a member of the APC and had no intention of leaving the party. His latest decision to step away from the governorship primary, however, is already fueling fresh debates over the future power structure in Rivers State and the possible emergence of a consensus candidate within the ruling party.
