Siminalayi Fubara Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries, Cites Peace And Unity In Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primaries ahead of the forthcoming Rivers State governorship election.
In a press statement obtained by PulseNets on Wednesday, Governor Fubara said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his family, friends, and political associates, stressing that the interest of Rivers State must come before personal ambition.
“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. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”
The Rivers governor noted that leadership demands sacrifice, especially at a time when the state requires peace, stability, and unity above political interests.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good 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.”
Fubara also appreciated his supporters across Rivers State who stood by him throughout the political process, acknowledging the emotional and financial investments many had made during the buildup to the APC governorship primaries.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.”
The governor further hinted at undisclosed political pressures and difficult decisions surrounding his withdrawal, while maintaining that his commitment to Rivers State remains unchanged.
“As our elders say, 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. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.”
Governor Fubara equally expressed appreciation to the APC leadership and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout the process.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.”
He urged party faithful and supporters to remain committed to the APC, describing the ruling party as a collective political family working toward a stronger future.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.”
Clarifying the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the Rivers State governorship race, Fubara insisted that the move should not be interpreted as fear, weakness, or surrender.
Also Read: Rivers Governor Sim Fubara Denies APC Defection Rumours, Says “I Have Not Gone Anywhere”
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial 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 and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.”
The statement, dated May 20, 2026, has already sparked political reactions across Rivers State, with analysts closely watching the implications of Fubara’s withdrawal on the APC’s chances in the state’s governorship contest.
