The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commented on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara's decision to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race. Wike stated that this move is consistent with the terms of a peace agreement aimed at ensuring political stability in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara had earlier withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, creating political uncertainty in the state. He cited extensive consultations and emphasized unity and loyalty within the party despite stepping down. Political stakeholders are now awaiting clarification on the next steps as the APC navigates this development.
Wike's Reaction to Fubara's Withdrawal
Speaking to journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja on Monday, May 25, 2026, Wike expressed that Fubara's withdrawal was not unexpected. He argued that the governor should not have collected the nomination form in the first place because an agreement had been reached that the impeachment proceedings would be dropped, and Fubara would not seek a second term.
According to Wike, Fubara's earlier actions to contest the 2027 race did not demonstrate good faith and complicated reconciliation efforts. He noted that not seeking a second term was part of the conditions for dropping impeachment threats against the governor.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.
He added, “But whatever it is, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged.”
Fubara's Commitment to Governance
Despite the political challenges, Governor Fubara has vowed to complete ongoing infrastructure projects in Rivers State. He noted that the Airport Road Bypass project is 65% complete and is expected to be finished by October 2026. Fubara expressed optimism and commitment to governance amidst the recent political developments.
Broader Political Context
In related developments, Governor Fubara declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner of the APC presidential primary in Rivers State with 280,468 votes. President Tinubu also won the Delta primary, defeating Stanley Osifo with 407,646 votes, sparking public reactions ranging from praise for APC's strategy to allegations of manufactured vote figures.
The Wike-Fubara saga continues to draw attention, with several aspirants withdrawing from the Rivers APC governorship primary. The APC has provided updates amid the renewed crisis, and political observers are closely monitoring the situation.
