The political landscape in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Wednesday night as Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on Thursday.
In a personally signed statement titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” Governor Fubara said his decision was borne out of deep reflection, consultations with political stakeholders, and a commitment to preserving unity and stability within the party and the state.
The Rivers governor stated that although he had initially shown interest in participating in the APC primary process, recent political developments and consultations with party leaders convinced him that stepping aside was in the overall interest of peace, cohesion, and the future of the party in the state.
Fubara further pledged his total loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, assuring party faithful that he remains committed to the collective success of the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
According to the statement, the governor emphasized that leadership must sometimes require personal sacrifice for the greater good, adding that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness, but rather as a strategic decision aimed at strengthening internal democracy and fostering reconciliation among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the development may significantly reshape the power dynamics within the Rivers APC, especially amid ongoing alignments and consultations ahead of the primaries.
The Governor also called on his supporters and political associates across the state to remain calm, united and fully committed to the ideals of the APC, urging them to rally behind the party’s eventual flagbearer in the spirit of progress and continuity.
The unexpected announcement has already generated widespread reactions across the political space, with analysts describing it as a major turning point in Rivers State politics and a move that could influence future alliances within the state’s political structure.
