Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has withdrawn from the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), just hours before the exercise scheduled for Thursday.
The Governor announced his withdrawal in a personally signed statement issued late Wednesday.
In the statement titled ‘My decision to withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries’, Fubara said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations”, adding that he would back the eventual candidate of the party.
He said: “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.
“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 acknowledged the disappointment his decision may trigger among his supporters, many of whom had invested time and resources in his campaign.
“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,” he said.
The Governor also hinted at behind-the-scenes pressures, though he stopped short of providing details.
“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,” he said.
He thanked the party leadership and Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, urging party members to remain united.
“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 stated.
“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.”
Fubara maintained that his withdrawal should not be seen as capitulation but as a deliberate move in the state’s interest.
In his words, “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. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.”
