Breaking: Fubara Backs Out of APC Primaries, Cites Sacrifice for Rivers Peace

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dramatically withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, announcing his decision in a personally signed statement released on Wednesday night.

The governor said he took the “difficult but necessary decision” after deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends, and political associates.

“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,” Fubara stated.

He declared his firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, insisting that the APC remains his political home.

Addressing his disappointed supporters, the governor said, “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”.

Fubara hinted at immense political pressures behind his withdrawal but declined to provide specifics. “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,” he added.

The governor expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement throughout the process.

He emphasised that his decision should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender. “Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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,” Fubara declared.

He pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State diligently until the end of his current tenure.

In a related development, former APC governorship aspirant Tonye Cole also announced his withdrawal from the race, pledging full support to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the interest of party unity and collective progress.

The withdrawals come amid heightened political realignments and internal contestations within the Rivers State chapter of the APC ahead of the crucial governorship primaries.