Dare Babalola
Siminalayi Fubara and former governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, have withdrawn from the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State ahead of Thursday’s exercise.
The separate withdrawals, announced on Wednesday, come amid ongoing political realignments and reconciliation efforts within the APC in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara, in a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” said his decision followed extensive consultations with family, friends and political associates.
“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,” the Rivers governor stated.
He explained that the decision was taken in the overriding interest of peace, stability and unity in the state, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and the setting aside of personal ambition.
“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,” he said.
Fubara added that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness, fear or surrender, insisting that he stepped aside out of conviction and sacrifice for the collective interest of Rivers people.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship 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 stated.
The governor also hinted at enduring difficult moments and mounting political pressure in recent months, saying his silence during the period was deliberate and aimed at protecting the state’s interest.
He thanked the APC leadership and acknowledged the support and encouragement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the process, while assuring supporters that he remains committed to serving Rivers State until the end of his tenure.
Fubara further pledged support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
The development comes against the backdrop of the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a feud that polarised the political structure in the state and triggered divisions within the state assembly and party system.
In a similar development, Tonye Cole also announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, saying the decision was reached after consultations with party stakeholders and members of his political camp.
Cole, who was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, said his withdrawal followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the party to deliberate on the future of the APC in Rivers State and the need to preserve unity ahead of the next general elections.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, 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 stated.
He described the move as one taken out of principle and deep reflection rather than external pressure, adding that the stability of both the party and Rivers State remained paramount.
Cole thanked his supporters, including youth groups, women organisations and party loyalists across the state, for standing by him and believing in his vision for Rivers State.
“Although I may be stepping aside from this contest, I remain fully committed to the ideals, principles, and aspirations that brought us together,” he added.
The businessman and politician also pledged support for whoever emerges as the APC flagbearer and urged party supporters to remain calm and cooperate with the party leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC governorship primary in Rivers State is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
