The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the 2027 governorship race formed part of a broader political agreement designed to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, saying the governor’s decision aligned with understandings reached during reconciliation talks among key political stakeholders in the state.
Fubara had recently announced his withdrawal from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress, explaining that the decision followed consultations with family members, political associates, and supporters, and was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in Rivers State.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said his action came after careful reflection on the prevailing political situation in the state.
Reacting to the development, Wike insisted that the governor’s withdrawal was neither surprising nor unexpected, maintaining that it was consistent with agreements reached during efforts to resolve the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
According to the former Rivers governor, one of the conditions agreed upon during negotiations was that impeachment moves against Fubara would be discontinued, while the governor, in return, would not pursue a second term bid.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.
The minister criticised Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms, describing it as inconsistent with the spirit of reconciliation and political understanding reached by stakeholders.
He said several interventions had been made to restore peace in the state, but noted that some of the governor’s actions initially complicated the reconciliation process.
“He didn’t show signs of gentlemanship despite all efforts made to stabilise the system. But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” Wike added.
Wike also threw his weight behind Kingsley Chinda, describing the federal lawmaker as a credible and experienced politician capable of leading Rivers State.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he stated.
“He is experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure he must have been approached by the APC to join them and then secure the ticket.”
