The political atmosphere in Rivers State was thrown into fresh uncertainty on Wednesday after Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries, citing sacrifice, peace, and unity as reasons behind his decision.
In a statement released on May 20, 2026, the governor said his decision came after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends, and political associates. He declared that although the decision was painful, he considered it necessary in the overall interest of Rivers State and pledged support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC candidate.
Fubara stated that leadership demanded sacrifice and insisted that personal ambition must sometimes give way to collective stability. “Rivers State is bigger than any individual,” the governor declared, adding that the peace and unity of the oil-rich state must take precedence over private political interests at a critical period in its political history.
The governor’s statement, however, contained veiled references to internal pressures and political battles that may have influenced his withdrawal from the contest. In one of the most striking portions of the statement, Fubara said, “Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” a remark already fueling widespread political speculation across Rivers political circles.
He further revealed that he had faced “immense pressures and difficult choices,” though he stopped short of naming individuals or political interests allegedly responsible for the developments. Political observers believe the cryptic remarks point to deepening power struggles within the APC and the broader Rivers political establishment ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Addressing his supporters, the governor acknowledged the disappointment and anger many of them may feel after investing time, resources, and political energy into his governorship ambition. He thanked loyalists for their unwavering support and maintained that his silence in recent weeks had been “deliberate and strategic,” guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state.
Fubara also used the statement to reaffirm loyalty to the All Progressives Congress, describing the ruling party as the “collective home” of its members. He urged party faithful to remain committed and united despite the unfolding political developments, insisting that the APC must continue working toward a stronger political future in Rivers State.
In a notable section of the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement throughout the political process. The acknowledgement is expected to trigger fresh debate over the presidency’s role in ongoing political realignments within Rivers State.
The Rivers governor was also emphatic that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or political defeat. “Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice,” he said, while pledging continued service to the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.
