Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, have withdrawn from the party’s governorship primaries slated today ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara, in a statement issued on Wednesday night, said his decision followed extensive consultations with family members, friends and political associates.
According to him, the move was taken in the interest of peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.
“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,” he stated.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”
The governor said leadership requires sacrifice, stressing that personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest 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 added.
Fubara expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, while describing his silence in recent weeks as “deliberate and strategic.”
“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,” he said.
The governor also thanked the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement.
He maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.
“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.
Similarly, Tonye Cole announced his withdrawal from the governorship contest, citing the need to uphold party unity and respect the supremacy of the APC.
Cole, in a separate statement, said recent consultations and a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the party informed his decision.
“As a committed democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation and unity among stakeholders within the Rivers APC,” he stated.
He explained that after wide consultations with his political associates, supporters and party stakeholders, he resolved to withdraw from the race in the overriding interest of peace and collective progress.
“Accordingly, I formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate,” Cole said.
The former APC governorship candidate described the decision as one reached after “deep reflection, patriotism and unwavering commitment” to the progress of the party and Rivers State.
He appreciated party faithful, women groups, youths and elders who supported his aspiration, assuring them of his continued commitment to the development of the state and the APC.
Cole urged his supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with the party leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
