Olushola Omogbehin
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his official withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary election in the state.
He disclosed this in a personally signed statement on Wednesday, where he reiterated to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
Fubara explained that though the decision was difficult, but he remained committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.
“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.
Appreciating his supporters for their unfailing loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, Fubara acknowledged the disappointment many of them may feel over his decision to step aside.
He said his recent silence was intentional and guided by what he described as the best interest of the state.
Governor Fubara said he had faced enormous pressure and difficult choices so far as he expressed gratitude to the APC for giving him a platform during the process and thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He admonished party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and united because the APC remains a collective political family committed to building a stronger future for the state.
“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.
Insisting that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, Fubara said: “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.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater 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.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel.
“Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.”
Shortly after winning the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State and taken the oath of office, the relationship between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike deteriorated over control of the state’s political structure, appointments and finances.
The crisis later resulted into bitter power struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who remained loyal to Wike.
The crisis later resulted into the demolition of the Assembly complex and governance became paralysed as both camps traded court actions and political attacks.
As a result, in March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy and all lawmakers for six months, citing political instability and threats to governance and oil infrastructure.
He was reinstated six months later after the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
