Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries amid escalating political tensions involving former governor and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The development marks a fresh twist in the prolonged political crisis rocking Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fubara announced his decision in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, declaring that he would back whoever eventually emerges as the APC candidate.
The governor said his withdrawal followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his 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 governorship primaries. 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 development comes amid growing tensions within the APC in Rivers State and follows recent moves widely interpreted as a consolidation of influence by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
ANN had earlier reported that several politicians linked to Governor Fubara were excluded from the APC’s final list of cleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries.
Among those sidelined were former factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, both considered loyalists of Fubara during the prolonged political crisis that split the state’s power structure.
In contrast, several figures believed to be aligned with Wike, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and House Leader Major Jack, were cleared to participate in the primaries.
The latest decision by Fubara is expected to trigger fresh reactions within Rivers political circles, where the rivalry between camps loyal to the governor and Wike has continued to dominate the state’s political landscape.
