Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary scheduled to hold today in the state.
The governor described the decision as “difficult but necessary,” stressing that the peace, unity, and stability of Rivers State must come before personal ambition.
Similarly, Tonye Cole, another leading APC governorship aspirant, also announced his withdrawal from the race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Fubara said he would fully support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
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.
“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 give way 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 personal interests.”
Fubara also commended his supporters for standing by him throughout the political crisis in the state, explaining that his recent silence was deliberate and guided by the interest of Rivers people.
“I understand the disappointment, anger, and pain many of you may feel. Much has been invested and sacrificed along the way, but your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence during this period was deliberate and strategic, always guided by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he stated.
Quoting a local proverb, the governor added: “Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are better borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged facing immense pressure and difficult choices but maintained that his love for Rivers State remained paramount.
Fubara thanked APC members for their support since he joined the party and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and support.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together,” he said.
The governor emphasized that his withdrawal should not be seen as an act of weakness, fear, or surrender, but rather as a sacrifice aimed at preserving peace and unity in the state.
“I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State until the end of my tenure,” he added.
In a similar development, Tonye Cole, in a personally signed statement, said his withdrawal was in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, as well as respect for the supremacy of the party.
“As a committed democrat and firm believer in strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among stakeholders within the Rivers State chapter of the APC,” Cole stated.
He disclosed that the party’s national leadership recently held a stakeholders’ meeting where extensive discussions were conducted regarding the future of the APC in Rivers State and the need to present a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 elections.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with my political associates, supporters, and key stakeholders, I have decided, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” he said.
Cole pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the APC candidate.
He described the decision as one reached after deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability and development of Rivers State.
“Although I am stepping aside from this contest, I remain committed to the ideals and aspirations that brought us together, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of our party and the development of Rivers State,” he added.
Cole also urged his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and loyal to the party leadership.
“Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our president, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general election,” he said.
