Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, citing the need for party unity and stability in the state. The decision, made after extensive consultations with family, friends, and political associates, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, which has been embroiled in a prolonged crisis.
In a statement, Fubara emphasized that personal ambition must give way to the greater interest of the people of Rivers State. He thanked his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices, acknowledging the disappointment many may feel over his withdrawal. The governor stressed that the decision was not borne out of fear or weakness but out of conviction and sacrifice for the peace and unity of the state.
Fubara also expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and President Bola Tinubu for their support and encouragement, urging party faithful to remain united and committed ahead of the governorship election.
Other Aspirants Withdraw Across States
In a similar move, former Rivers State APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole announced his withdrawal from the party's primary election, citing the overriding interest of peace, reconciliation, and party supremacy. Cole pledged full support to whoever emerges as the party's candidate and urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful.
In Gombe State, former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali withdrew from the governorship primary due to alleged irregularities and violations of electoral laws. Alkali's decision followed the earlier withdrawal of former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Isa Pantami. Alkali stated that his participation would amount to endorsing a flawed process.
In Taraba State, former NEDC board member David Sabo Kente stepped down from the race to ensure political stability within the state chapter. Kente dismissed rumors of being induced by money, asserting that no one has the capacity to buy him over.
In Bauchi State, gubernatorial aspirant Shehu Umar and Senator Shehu Buba withdrew from the race. Umar cited an atmosphere not conducive for his continued participation, while Buba alleged violations of the 1999 constitution, the Electoral Act, and the APC constitution. The race for the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi now narrows to former governor Mohammed Abubakar and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar.
Oyo State: AKK Directs Supporters to Vote for Senator Alli
In Oyo State, APC leadership confirmed that no governorship aspirant has been disqualified from participating in the primary. However, aspirant Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK) directed his supporters to vote massively for Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, following a consensus arrangement reached by the APC leadership at national and state levels.
Widespread Dissatisfaction with Primaries
The North-Central APC Forum has declared that over 50 per cent of the party's members are unhappy with the conduct of the primaries, which have been characterized by disqualifications, conflicting results, irregularities, and violence. The Forum alleged that the process was commercialized by party national officials and that membership of primary election committees was based on personal relationships rather than competence.
Lagos APC: Allegations of Irregularities and Petitions
In Lagos State, allegations of interference by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, in the House of Representatives primaries have led to multiple petitions to President Tinubu and party leaders. Aspirants claimed that returning officers abandoned polling units and that results were manipulated to favor preferred candidates.
Petitioners include Oluseye Oladejo, Akeem Animashaun, Kolawole Taiwo, Ayodele Adewale, Dr. Adesola Samuel Adedayo, and Prince Abdul Animashaun. They have called for investigations and nullification of results in several constituencies.
Ekiti and Anambra States Also Affected
In Ekiti State, concerned APC stakeholders have called on President Tinubu to intervene in the crisis trailing the House of Representatives primaries, alleging widespread irregularities and suppression of party members. In Anambra State, results of the House of Representatives primaries have not been announced five days after the exercise, causing confusion among winners and losers.
The appeal panel has arrived in the state to look into petitions and objections. Dr. Kingsley Ezekwelu, who claimed victory in Idemili Federal Constituency, called for cancellation of the primary due to perceived lapses.
