Fubara Bows Out Of Rivers APC Governorship Primary

AFTER weeks of speculation, and having weighed his options in the face of strong opposition to his second term ambition by stronger political forces, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, May 20, announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in the state.
Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, however, pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
He stated: “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 Rivers State is bigger than any individual and at a critical moment like this, its peace, stability and unity must take precedence over personal interests.
While thanking his supporters for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his political journey, he assured them that their loyalty and trust were not in vain.
The embattled governor said his silence in the face of mounting pressure in recent months should not be mistaken for fear, as his actions had always been guided by the interest of Rivers State and its people.
He noted: “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.”
According to him, not every experience or challenge should be publicly discussed, as restraint is sometimes necessary in the interest of peace and stability, adding: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.
“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.
“It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.”
He thanked APC for giving him the platform and support throughout the political process, and President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and backing, describing the APC as a collective home for members and supporters and urging party faithful to remain united and committed to its ideals and steadfast, as efforts continue toward building a stronger and more united APC.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship election 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 said, reaffirmed his commitment to continue to serve the people of Rivers State until the completion of his tenure in office.
Fubara has been embroiled in a festering battle of supremacy over control of political structures in the state with his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Miniter of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who ensured his emergence, against all odds, as governor in 2023.