In a dramatic political development, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the APC governorship primaries, saying his decision was guided by sacrifice, restraint, and the overriding need to sustain peace in the state.
Fubara announced his withdrawal in a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, declaring that the interest of Rivers State must come before personal ambition amid the lingering political tensions in the state.
The governor said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates, and close allies.
According to him, “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 added that despite stepping down from the race, he remained committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara stated.
The governor stressed that leadership requires sacrifice and compromise, especially at a critical time in the political history of the state.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” he said.
“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,” the governor added.
Fubara acknowledged the disappointment his supporters might feel following the announcement, noting that many had invested enormous resources, emotions, and hope into the political journey.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The governor further revealed that his silence in recent weeks had been deliberate and strategic, insisting that his actions were always guided by the higher interest of Rivers State.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he stated.
In what appeared to be an allusion to the intense political undercurrents in the state, Fubara said he had faced enormous pressures and difficult choices but chose restraint in the interest of peace.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Fubara expressed appreciation to the All Progressives Congress for providing him a platform throughout the political process.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process,” he said.
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement.
“I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement,” Fubara added.
He urged members and supporters of the APC to remain united and committed to the party despite the latest development.
“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,” he stated.
Fubara, however, maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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,” he declared.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State till the end of his tenure.
“I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State till the end of my term,” Fubara said.
