Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for Thursday, May 21.
Fubara made the announcement in a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, May 20, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability and unity in the state.
According to the governor, his withdrawal followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends and political associates.
Although he described the move as difficult, Fubara said he remained committed to the success of the party and would support whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
“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,” he stated. “I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”
The governor also thanked his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process, while acknowledging that many of them would be disappointed by the development.
Fubara explained that his silence in recent weeks had been “deliberate and strategic,” insisting that his actions were guided by the overall interest of Rivers State.
Hinting at underlying political pressures, he said: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”
He added that certain truths are sometimes best left unsaid “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
The governor also expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He further urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home.”
