Fresh political developments in Rivers State have intensified uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reported withdrawal from the governorship primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, the governor announced that he would no longer participate in the APC governorship contest, describing the decision as difficult but necessary in the interest of peace, unity, and political stability in Rivers State.
“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 governorship primaries,” Fubara stated. “I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”
The development marks a significant turning point in the ongoing political realignments that have continued to shape Rivers politics since the fallout between Fubara and his former political benefactor, Nyesom Wike.
Sacrifice Over Ambition
Explaining his decision, Fubara said leadership sometimes requires personal ambition to give way to broader public interest.
“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 said.
The governor emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or political surrender, insisting instead that it reflected sacrifice and restraint.
“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 added.
Fubara also acknowledged the disappointment among supporters who had invested political resources and energy into his anticipated governorship bid, thanking them for their loyalty and patience throughout the turbulent political process.
“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,” he stated. “I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel.”
The governor further revealed that his recent silence had been “deliberate and strategic,” guided by what he described as the higher interests of Rivers State.
Mounting Pressure Within APC
Political sources familiar with developments in the state said the governor’s decision may have been influenced by recent APC screening exercises that reportedly disqualified several politicians believed to be aligned with him.
Among those said to have been affected are Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boma Goodhead, Ipalibo Banigo, Tammy Danagogo and businessman Tein Jack-Rich.
The disqualifications reinforced growing perceptions among political observers that the APC structure in Rivers State remains firmly under the influence of Wike, the former governor who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Fubara thanked the APC leadership and President Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement throughout the political process, urging party loyalists to remain united despite the emerging tensions.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” the governor remarked, hinting at undisclosed political pressures surrounding the primaries.
From Political Allies to Rivals
The political conflict between Fubara and Wike began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Initially seen as Wike’s political protégé and successor, Fubara soon found himself locked in a fierce struggle over control of the state’s political machinery. The crisis rapidly escalated into one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political confrontations, leading to deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, legal battles, and repeated clashes between rival political factions.
Given Rivers State’s economic significance as one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states, the dispute attracted national attention and triggered broader federal political interests.
APC Alignment and Renewed Uncertainty
Fubara’s later alignment with the APC was widely interpreted as a dramatic political shift, particularly because of the party’s close ties to both Tinubu and Wike.
Earlier reports in 2026 indicated that APC stakeholders had obtained nomination forms for the governor ahead of the 2027 elections, fueling speculation that reconciliation efforts were underway within the state’s fractured political environment.
However, subsequent events suggested that underlying tensions between the competing camps remained unresolved.
Conflicting reports had emerged in recent weeks regarding Fubara’s standing within the party. While some sources claimed he had missed critical screening exercises, others suggested he had been cleared to contest the primaries.
Despite publicly denying speculation that he intended to abandon the APC, uncertainty persisted as more of his associates reportedly failed to scale through party screening processes.
Strategic Withdrawal or Political Setback?
Political analysts believe Fubara’s withdrawal could represent a calculated strategic move aimed at avoiding direct confrontation with entrenched party interests while preserving room for future negotiations within the APC.
Others argue that broader elite consensus-building and federal-level interventions may also have played a role, given Rivers State’s strategic political importance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially strengthening politicians aligned with Wike while consolidating the influence of established APC power blocs in the state.
At the same time, uncertainty continues to surround the future of Fubara’s political camp, with reports suggesting that some supporters are weighing alternative political alignments while others remain hopeful for internal negotiations and possible reconciliation within the ruling party.
For now, the latest developments underscore the deepening struggle for political control in Rivers State and raise fresh questions about Governor Fubara’s long-term political future in one of Nigeria’s most strategically important states.
COMPLIMENTS.
Please read trending reports on Everyday.ng
Fubara Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries as Rivers Political Crisis Deepens
Fubara Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries as Rivers Political Crisis Deepens
FOREST OF CRYSTAL FIRE: NDLEA HUNTS DOWN NARCO EMPIRE IN OGUN JUNGLE
FOREST OF CRYSTAL FIRE: NDLEA HUNTS DOWN NARCO EMPIRE IN OGUN JUNGLE
For comments, adverts, releases, please reach us on:
Twitter on: @Everyday_ng;
E-mail: info@everyday.ng
Telephone, WhatsApp & Telegram: +234 802 2198060.
Contact Address: Back Suite, Off Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way, Kukwaba District, Abuja.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
