Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in the state.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Fubara said his decision was made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in the state.
He explained that the move followed a “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends, and political associates.
Although he described the decision as difficult, the governor affirmed his commitment to supporting whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
According to him, leadership requires sacrifice, and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective good.
“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 expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers, and sacrifices, acknowledging that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.
He noted that his recent silence was “deliberate and strategic,” guided by the higher interest of the state.
He also hinted at underlying pressures in the political process, stating: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”
He added that some truths are best kept quietly “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
The governor thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
Urging party members to remain united, he described the APC as their “collective home” and encouraged continued commitment to the party.
Fubara, however, stressed that his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness or surrender.
“I stepped aside 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 said.
He also pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his tenure.
Read the full statement below:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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”.