Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries in Rivers ahead of the 2027 election, saying the move was necessary to safeguard peace and stability in the state.
Fubara made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt after weeks of uncertainty over whether he would participate in the APC governorship race.
The governor said his decision followed extensive consultations and careful consideration of the political situation in Rivers State.
According to him, preserving unity in the state was more important than pursuing personal ambition.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” Fubara stated.
“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.”
Fubara pledged continued loyalty to the APC and promised to support the eventual candidate of the party in the governorship election.
He urged party supporters to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the ruling party as a shared political platform for all members.
The governor acknowledged that his withdrawal might disappoint many supporters who had invested time and energy in his political ambition.
“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,” he said.
“But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain.”
Fubara also defended his recent silence on political matters in the state, saying some decisions were best taken quietly in the interest of peace.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he noted.
“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 Rivers governor further thanked President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and support throughout the period.
He maintained that his decision to withdraw from the race should not be interpreted as weakness or political defeat.
“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 added.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his administration.
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