Fubara ends re-election bid, pulls out of APC guber primaries

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, citing the need to prioritise peace, unity, and stability in the state.

Fubara announced his decision in a personally signed statement on Wednesday night titled “My decision to withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” where he said he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

He explained that the decision followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and political associates, describing it as a difficult but necessary step in the interest of Rivers State.

According to him, leadership sometimes requires sacrifice and the setting aside of personal ambition for the greater good of the people.

He appreciated his supporters for their loyalty and encouragement throughout his political journey, acknowledging the sacrifices they made in backing his aspiration.

Fubara said his silence in recent times was intentional and guided by what he described as the higher interest of peace and stability in the state.

He also expressed gratitude to the APC for providing him with a political platform, as well as to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.

The governor urged party members and supporters to remain united and continue to work towards strengthening the APC ahead of future elections.

He added that his withdrawal was not borne out of weakness or fear, but a deliberate act of sacrifice aimed at promoting unity in Rivers State, while reaffirming his commitment to serving out his tenure.

The statement reads:

MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS STATE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES

Fellow Rivers People,

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 gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

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.

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. 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. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

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. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s 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 and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor, Rivers State
May 20, 2026 .