Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Tonye Cole have both withdrawn from the party's governorship primaries scheduled for today, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara's Decision
Fubara, in a statement released on Wednesday night, explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with family members, friends, and political associates. He emphasized that the move was taken in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State.
"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 gubernatorial 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 noted that leadership requires sacrifice, and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest 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 added.
Fubara expressed gratitude to his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices, describing his recent silence as "deliberate and strategic." He quoted an elder's proverb: "Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose."
The governor also thanked the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support. He maintained that his withdrawal should not be seen as a sign of weakness. "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 stated.
Cole's Withdrawal
Similarly, Tonye Cole announced his withdrawal from the contest, citing the need to uphold party unity and respect the supremacy of the APC. In a separate statement, Cole said recent consultations and a stakeholders' meeting convened by the national leadership of the party informed his decision.
"As a committed democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among stakeholders within the Rivers APC," he stated.
After wide consultations with his political associates, supporters, and party stakeholders, Cole resolved to withdraw in the overriding interest of peace and collective progress. "Accordingly, I formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party's candidate," Cole said.
The former APC governorship candidate described the decision as one reached after "deep reflection, patriotism, and unwavering commitment" to the progress of the party and Rivers State. He appreciated party faithful, women groups, youths, and elders who supported his aspiration, assuring them of his continued commitment to the development of the state and the APC.
Cole urged his supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with the party leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
