The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that Siminalayi Fubara voluntarily withdrew from the party’s governorship primary after successfully completing the screening process.
Fubara had earlier announced on May 20 that he was stepping down from the race, explaining that his decision was based on personal conviction and a desire to promote peace and unity in Rivers State.
In a statement signed at the time, he said he remained committed to supporting whoever eventually emerged as the party’s candidate. Prior to his withdrawal, both Fubara and Kingsley Chinda, an ally of Nyesom Wike, had been screened ahead of the APC governorship primary.
His participation in the screening process had sparked speculation after he declined to speak to journalists, with some reports suggesting he may have been disqualified. The speculation grew further after several associates of the governor were reportedly disqualified during screening for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries, while candidates aligned with Wike were cleared.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yilwatda dismissed claims that Fubara failed screening. He stated, “He bought the forms, came for screening, passed the screening, and we were waiting for the primaries before he opted to step down.”
Yilwatda also rejected suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced Fubara’s decision, insisting that Wike is not a member of the APC and has no role in the party’s internal processes.
The development comes amid ongoing political tensions and shifting alliances in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
