Wike explains Fubara’s 2027 withdrawal

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the decision by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race was part of a political agreement aimed at restoring stability in the state.

Wike made the remark on Monday while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, noting that the governor’s withdrawal aligned with prior understandings reached during reconciliation efforts among key stakeholders.

Fubara had recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, stating that his decision was made after consultations and in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in Rivers State.

However, Wike said the move was expected, explaining that part of the peace deal included dropping impeachment moves against the governor on the condition that he would not seek a second term.

According to the former Rivers governor, Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms went against the agreement and complicated ongoing reconciliation efforts.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. He ought not to have obtained the form in the first place, as it was agreed that impeachment would be dropped while he would not pursue a second term,” Wike said.

He added that despite initial disagreements, the governor’s eventual withdrawal was in line with the resolution reached by political actors.

Wike also expressed confidence in the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as a governorship contender, describing him as experienced and well-suited for the role.

He noted that Chinda’s political background, spanning both executive and legislative experience, positions him as a strong candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.