Rivers 2027: Fubara withdrew voluntarily; Wike not APC member — Yilwatda
Rivers State Governor Voluntarily Withdraws from APC Primary, Party Officials Clarify
The All Progressives Congress (APC) clarified on Monday that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara voluntarily withdrew from the party’s governorship primary race after successfully completing the screening process.
APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Yilwatda emphasized that Fubara had purchased the party’s nomination forms, appeared before the screening committee, and was cleared to contest before choosing to step down.
“He withdrew on his own accord; it was a personal decision,” Yilwatda said. “He bought the forms, underwent screening, and we were prepared for the primaries when he opted to step down.”
Yilwatda dismissed allegations that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, influenced Fubara’s withdrawal. He reiterated that Wike is not a member of the APC, stating, “Wike is in the PDP.”
In a previous announcement, Fubara cited his withdrawal as a decision made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State, particularly ahead of the upcoming election. He clarified, “Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice for Rivers State’s progress. I remain dedicated to serving the people of Rivers until my term ends.”
Wike later commented on the situation, criticizing Fubara’s withdrawal and endorsing House of Representatives member Kingsley Chinda as the APC’s candidate. During a recent inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike claimed that a political agreement facilitated by President Bola Tinubu underpinned the developments, alleging that Fubara’s decision was a result of an understanding to avoid impeachment threats from the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“By collecting the form, he didn’t demonstrate the expected gentlemanly conduct. We believed the President had been intervening to persuade the legislature not to pursue impeachment,” Wike remarked.
This situation continues to develop as the APC prepares for the upcoming elections.
