Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, a development expected to significantly alter political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
The Rivers State governor disclosed his decision in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, saying he had chosen to step aside from the race after what he described as extensive consultations and careful reflection.
According to Fubara, the decision was taken in the interest of party unity and political stability, adding that he remains committed to supporting the eventual candidate of the APC in the 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 governorship primaries,” the governor stated.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he added.
The announcement comes amid growing political tension within the Rivers State chapter of the APC, where alignments and rivalries linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have continued to shape the political atmosphere in the state.
Political observers say Fubara’s withdrawal could further strengthen the influence of political actors aligned with Wike, whose camp has maintained a strong grip on the state’s political structure despite the prolonged crisis between both leaders.
The rivalry between Fubara and Wike has remained one of the most dominant political conflicts in Rivers State since the governor assumed office.
The crisis, which initially emerged as a struggle for political control and influence, eventually created deep divisions within the state government, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the broader political establishment.
In recent months, the political battle has extended into party structures and preparations for future elections, particularly ahead of the APC primaries.
Before Fubara’s withdrawal, concerns had already emerged over the alleged marginalisation of politicians believed to be loyal to the governor within the APC’s internal processes.
Reports indicated that several politicians associated with Fubara were excluded from the party’s final list of cleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries.
Among those reportedly sidelined were Victor Oko-Jumbo and Chijioke Ihunwo, both regarded as key allies of the governor during the political conflict that divided the state’s power structure.
The exclusion of the governor’s loyalists was widely interpreted by political observers as a sign of the growing dominance of the faction believed to be aligned with Wike.
In contrast, several politicians considered close to the former Rivers governor and current FCT minister were reportedly cleared to participate in the primaries.
Among those said to have received clearance were Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and House Leader Major Jack, both believed to be aligned with Wike’s political camp.
The latest development is expected to trigger fresh debate within Rivers political circles, where supporters of both camps have continued to battle for control of the state’s political machinery.
Analysts say Fubara’s withdrawal could either reduce tensions within the party or deepen concerns among his supporters over their political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some observers believe the governor’s decision may have been influenced by the increasingly difficult political environment within the APC, especially amid concerns that his loyalists were gradually losing influence within party structures.
Others argue that the withdrawal may represent a strategic political calculation aimed at avoiding further escalation of internal conflicts while preserving room for future negotiations and alliances.
Despite stepping down from the governorship primary, Fubara’s statement suggested that he intends to remain politically active within the APC and continue supporting the party’s activities in Rivers State.
The governor did not indicate whether his withdrawal was connected to any formal agreement within the party or ongoing reconciliation efforts between rival factions.
However, his pledge to support the eventual APC candidate may be interpreted as an attempt to project loyalty to the party despite the ongoing tensions.
The political rivalry between Fubara and Wike has attracted national attention over the past two years, particularly because of Rivers State’s strategic political and economic importance.
The conflict has repeatedly led to tensions within the state assembly, local government structures and party leadership arrangements.
At various points, the crisis resulted in impeachment threats, factional divisions within the state legislature and prolonged political uncertainty.
Several intervention efforts involving political stakeholders and national party leaders have also been made in attempts to stabilise the situation.
Although some reconciliation initiatives appeared to temporarily calm tensions, disagreements between both camps have continued to resurface ahead of major political events and party activities.
Political analysts say developments within Rivers APC ahead of 2027 could significantly influence broader political alignments in the South-South region.
Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states due to its economic strength, large voting population and strategic role in national politics.
As preparations gradually intensify for the next election cycle, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how the APC manages internal rivalries and candidate selection processes in the state.
The governor’s withdrawal has also sparked speculation about possible behind-the-scenes negotiations involving influential political actors within and outside Rivers State.
Some observers believe the move may create room for a consensus arrangement within the APC, while others argue it could deepen dissatisfaction among supporters who expected Fubara to challenge for the party’s governorship ticket.
Neither Wike nor the APC leadership in Rivers State had officially reacted to Fubara’s withdrawal at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, political supporters across both camps are expected to continue consultations as the race for control of Rivers politics ahead of 2027 gathers momentum.
