Fubara’s Withdrawal from APC Primaries Redraws Rivers Political Landscape
By Ebi COLLINS
Rivers State politics took a major turn on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries, a move widely seen as a strategic recalibration within the state’s evolving political realignments ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
In a formal statement, Fubara said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations,” stressing that it was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State at a politically sensitive moment.
He described leadership as a matter of sacrifice, noting that personal ambition must sometimes be set aside for broader political and state interests.
“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 stated.
Political observers say the withdrawal effectively reshapes early permutations within the APC in Rivers State, narrowing the field and potentially consolidating influence around emerging power blocs within the party structure.
Fubara’s move also comes amid heightened internal consultations within the APC, where stakeholders have been engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations to define the party’s direction in the state.
In the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to his supporters, acknowledging their loyalty and sacrifices throughout his political journey, while also urging them to remain calm and united.
He said his silence in recent times was deliberate and strategic, guided by what he described as “higher interest considerations” necessary for maintaining stability within the state’s political environment.
The governor also extended gratitude to the APC for providing him a platform and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, a gesture analysts interpret as an attempt to reinforce alignment with the national leadership of the party.
While distancing his withdrawal from any suggestion of weakness or surrender, Fubara insisted it was a calculated political step aimed at preserving cohesion within Rivers State.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of fear or weakness, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to complete his tenure and indicated readiness to support the eventual flagbearer of the party, a position expected to influence post-primary alliances and future political calculations in the state.
