With political tensions growing over attempts to impose consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress is scheduled to hold a decisive round of governorship primaries across the 36 states on Thursday (today).
In many states, party leaders and influential stakeholders have pushed for consensus arrangements to avoid rancorous contests and internal divisions. However, the move has been resisted by several aspirants who insist on testing their popularity at the polls.
Among the closely watched contests are those involving Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara stepped aside; Adamawa; Kwara; and Plateau State as party members await the outcome of the primaries that could shape the political direction of both states.
With loyalists of Fubara missing on the list for the cleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly primary election scheduled for Wednesday, political observers opined that Fubara was in for a tough battle to secure the second term ticket.
However, in a shocking move, Governor Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primary election on Wednesday night, citing the need to preserve peace, unity, and stability in the state.
Fubara announced his decision in an official statement titled ‘My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,’ where he said the move followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and associates.
He stated that although the decision was difficult, it was taken in the overriding interest of Rivers State and the need to place collective good above personal ambition.
“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 noted that leadership often requires sacrifice, stressing that at certain moments, personal ambition must give way to the broader interests of the people.
“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 expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and encouragement throughout his political journey, acknowledging their emotional and material support.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey — your time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude,” he said.
He further described his recent silence as intentional, saying it was guided by what he called “the higher interest of the state.”
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace… I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he stated.
