Fubara Withdraws from APC Gubernatorial Primary Election

The executive governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for Thursday, May 21.

Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, said his decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability, and unity of the state.

He explained that the move followed a “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends, and political associates.

The governor noted that although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever would emerge as the APC governorship candidate.

According to him, leadership demands sacrifice and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest 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.

Fubara expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers, and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.

He said his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” adding that it was guided by the higher interest of the state, while also hinting at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process, saying: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”

He added that some truths were best kept quietly “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.” Fubara also thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.