Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, citing the need for peace, unity, and collective interest over personal ambition.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, personally signed on Wednesday night, Fubara said the decision followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and associates.
He confirmed that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and prioritisation of the greater good.
“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.
The governor described his withdrawal as a painful but necessary step, noting that Rivers State must remain above individual ambitions.
“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 added.
Fubara also expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout his political journey, acknowledging the disappointment the decision may cause.
“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,” he stated.
He further explained that his silence in recent times was intentional and guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he said.
Using a local proverb, the governor hinted at pressures behind the scenes without giving details.
“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 noted.
Fubara also thanked the All Progressives Congress for the platform provided and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.
“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,” he added.
He insisted that his withdrawal was not an act of weakness or surrender but a deliberate sacrifice for the stability of the state.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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 said.
