The governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the Rivers state APC governorship primary election scheduled for Thursday, May 21.
Fubara disclosed this in a statement he personally signed and released on Wednesday, May 20. According to him, his decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability and unity of the state.
Fubara said the decision followed a “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends and political associates.
The governor said although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever would emerge as the APC governorship candidate.
“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. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party” the governor said
Fubara expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.
He said his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” adding that it was guided by the higher interest of the state.
The governor hinted at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process, saying
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”
He added that some truths were best kept quietly “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”
Fubara thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home.”