Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries, saying the decision was made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in the state.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, the governor said his withdrawal followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family, friends, and political associates.
Fubara described the move as a painful but necessary sacrifice, stressing that Rivers State’s collective interest must come before personal ambition.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the disappointment among his supporters, many of whom had invested heavily in his political ambition, but urged them to remain calm and committed to the APC.
“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,” he said.
In one of the most striking parts of the statement, Fubara hinted at political pressures behind his decision, though he declined to provide details.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he said. “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.”
The Rivers governor also expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement throughout the process.
Fubara insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender, maintaining that the decision was guided by conviction and a desire to preserve harmony in the politically sensitive state.
“Let it be clearly understood that 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 declared.
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the Rivers State governorship race, with attention now turning to who will emerge as the APC’s standard-bearer.
…Full Text Of Governor Fubara’s Press Statement
GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE
PRESS STATEMENT
MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS STATE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES
Fellow Rivers People,
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.
Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor, Rivers State
May 20, 2026 .
