In a shocking development, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has announced his sudden withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries.
The announcement, delivered via an official statement on Wednesday comes at the eleventh hour of a highly volatile campaign season, throwing the party’s leadership race into immediate flux just as delegates prepared to head to the polls.
Governor Fubara characterized his withdrawal as a necessary sacrifice aimed at preserving the political stability of the oil-rich state.
He noted that the choice followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, inner circle, and political associates.
According to the governor, the broader interests of Rivers State must supersede individual political ambitions, especially during highly sensitive transitions.
He asserted that his move was born out of conviction and wisdom rather than an act of submission, promising to rally behind whoever emerges as the APC’s official candidate.
Acknowledging the inevitable shock and disappointment his departure would trigger among his loyal support base, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment.
He addressed his recent public silence on the party’s internal friction, explaining it as a strategic choice to avoid heating up the polity.
Employing a traditional proverb, “not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace”, the governor hinted at immense backstage pressures and complex political choices behind the scenes.
He emphasized that holding back was a deliberate show of restraint intended to secure the greater good of the state.
The outgoing candidate extended gratitude to the APC leadership and expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous encouragement throughout the process.
Fubara urged party faithful to remain steadfast, stressing that the APC remains their collective political home as they approach the primary elections.
Despite bowing out of the race, Governor Fubara reassured residents that his commitment to governance remains ironclad.
He stated unequivocally that he will remain fully focused on serving the citizens of Rivers State and fulfilling his mandate until the expiration of his current executive term.