Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, originally scheduled for Thursday, May 21. The decision was disclosed in a statement personally signed by the governor and released on Wednesday, May 20.
According to Fubara, the move was made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity within the state. He explained that the decision followed a period of deep reflection and extensive consultations with family members, friends, and political associates.
While acknowledging that the choice was difficult, Fubara expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate. In his words: "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. 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 expressed gratitude to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers, and sacrifices throughout the political process, recognizing that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal. He noted that his silence in recent weeks was deliberate and strategic, guided by the higher interest of the state.
Fubara hinted at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process, quoting an elder's saying: "Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace." He added that some truths are best kept quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.
The governor thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement. He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their collective home.
