Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, declaring that he stepped aside in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in the state.
In a dramatic statement released on Wednesday night after days of intense political speculation, Fubara said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political allies, friends, and close associates.
The governor described the move as “difficult but necessary,” insisting that the future of Rivers State must come before personal ambition.
Fubara, however, pledged total loyalty to the APC and vowed to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice,” the governor declared. “There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual.”
The development is expected to dramatically reshape the political landscape in Rivers State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, especially amid growing tensions and intense power realignments within the APC.
Although Fubara did not directly disclose the circumstances that led to his withdrawal, he hinted at mounting political pressure behind the scenes.
Using a symbolic proverb, the governor suggested that certain developments were deliberately left unsaid to preserve peace and avoid further tension.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he stated. “Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
The governor acknowledged that many of his supporters would feel hurt and disappointed by the decision, especially after months of mobilisation and sacrifices made in pursuit of his political ambition.
He thanked loyalists who stood by him throughout the process, describing their support as invaluable and assuring them that their efforts were not wasted.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he added.
Fubara also used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the APC, describing the ruling party as the “collective home” of its members and supporters.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called his support and encouragement during the political process.
The Rivers governor insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or political surrender.
According to him, the decision was a personal sacrifice aimed solely at ensuring peace and unity in 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 said.
Despite pulling out of the race, Fubara vowed to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure as governor.
