Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress, ending days of speculation over his participation in the contest ahead of the next governorship election in the state.
Fubara announced his decision in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, saying he reached the decision after wide consultations with family members, political associates and close supporters.
The governor said although the decision was difficult, he believed it was necessary in the interest of the party and 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,” Fubara stated.
He also pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate for the election.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he added.
The announcement has already generated reactions across Rivers State political circles, with many observers describing it as a major development in the state’s political landscape.
Fubara’s withdrawal comes at time political activities are gathering momentum ahead of the next election cycle in Rivers State. The state has remained one of the country’s major political battlegrounds because of its economic importance and strong influence in the Niger Delta region.
Although the governor did not clearly explain the exact reasons behind his withdrawal, political analysts believe the decision may not be unconnected to ongoing political calculations and alignments within the APC in Rivers State.
The APC in Rivers has witnessed intense internal consultations in recent months as different political interests struggle for control of the party structure ahead of the governorship election.
Party stakeholders have also been working to avoid internal divisions that could weaken the APC’s chances in the state. Rivers has traditionally been one of the strongest states in the South-South politically, making every governorship contest highly competitive.
Fubara’s latest move is expected to reshape political discussions within the party, especially among supporters who had hoped he would contest the APC primary.
The governor, who has remained one of the most talked-about political figures in Rivers politics in recent years, has continued to attract attention because of the political crisis that followed his emergence as governor.
His administration has faced months of political tension linked to disagreements with his predecessor and former political ally, Nyesom Wike.
The political crisis in Rivers State led to divisions within the state House of Assembly, legal disputes and repeated interventions by political leaders and stakeholders.
The disagreement between both camps created uncertainty within the political structure of the state and attracted national attention because of the influence both men wield in Rivers politics.
In recent months, efforts have been made by political actors and elders to restore peace between the opposing camps and prevent further instability in the state.
Some party members have welcomed the governor’s decision, saying it demonstrates political maturity and commitment to party unity.
According to them, stepping down from the race could help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen the APC ahead of the main governorship election.
Others, however, expressed surprise over the development, arguing that many of Fubara’s supporters had expected him to remain in the contest until the end of the primary process.
Political commentators say the governor’s decision may trigger fresh negotiations and alliances among APC stakeholders as aspirants position themselves to secure the party’s ticket.
With Fubara now out of the race, attention is expected to shift to other leading aspirants seeking to emerge as the APC governorship candidate.
Rivers State has remained politically strategic because of its large voting population, oil wealth and strong influence in national politics. Governorship contests in the state are usually closely watched across the country because of the high political stakes involved.
The APC has been making efforts to strengthen its position in the state amid competition with other political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, which has traditionally enjoyed strong support in Rivers.
Fubara’s withdrawal is therefore likely to have significant implications for the political calculations of both the APC and opposition parties ahead of the elections.
Despite stepping down from the primary contest, the governor insisted he remains committed to the APC and its success in Rivers State.
His statement sought to reassure party members and supporters that his decision should not be seen as a withdrawal from active political involvement, but rather as a move aimed at strengthening unity within the party.