Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries.
The governor made his decision public in an official press statement, catching many political observers and loyalists by surprise ahead of the party’s primary election.
Fubara said his exit from the race followed extensive consultations with his family, close associates, and friends.
He described the decision as a necessary sacrifice for the broader interest of the state, insisting that his personal political ambition must not jeopardise the region’s fragile peace.
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“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice,” Fubara said.
“There comes a time when personal ambition must give way to the greater good of the people. 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.”
He pledged his unalloyed support for whoever eventually wins the party’s ticket at the primaries, stressing his desire to see the party remain united and harmonious.
Difficult choices
Addressing his supporters, the governor acknowledged the frustration, hurt, and anger his unexpected withdrawal might cause among those who invested heavily in his campaign.
He said his recent tactical silence formed part of a deliberate strategy aimed at protecting the state.
Hinting at behind-the-scenes political tension, Fubara invoked a traditional adage to explain the complexity of his situation.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” the governor said.
“Some truths are best carried 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 pressure and difficult choices.”
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Fubara rejected any narrative suggesting that political intimidation forced him out, maintaining that he acted out of conviction rather than weakness.
“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.
READ ALSO: Rivers Speaker, lawmakers defect to APC
Fubara expressed gratitude to the national APC leadership and specifically thanked President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement throughout the process.
He also reassured the public that he remains fully committed to his executive duties and to serving the people of the state until the final day of his tenure.
