Barely 15 hours to the APC Governorship Primary Elections across the country, Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the race.
Citing immense pressure and the need to prioritise peace and stability above his personal ambition, governor Fubara said the sacrifice of stepping down from the race was not act of cowardice.
The hitches experienced by the governor during the race started with screening process where he left the venue, Plateau lodge angrily recently and it was widely reported that he was not screened by the party’s leadership. The report which he latter denied.
In a statement personally signed by him, governor Fubara 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”.
He said Rivers state is bigger than his personal ambition, hence the sacrifice of stepping down from the race.
“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”, he said.
He continued,”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. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people”.
“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”, governor Fubara said.
He therefore expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and APC for their support.
“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 said.
“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.
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”, he concluded.
With this development, the coast is now clear for FCT Minister’s Anointed Candidate and the APC Consensus Candidate for the 2027 Rivers Governorship Election, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda to be the APC’s flag bearer in the 2027 governorship race in Rivers state.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly settled for Ogundu Kingsley Chinda after major governorship hopefuls have stepped down for him as a consensus candidate.
Also, the development has shut the door against governor Fubara reelection for the second term in office as window to contest under another political parties is closed!