Fubara Withdraws from APC Governorship Primary in Rivers State

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary, a move that significantly alters the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election in the oil-rich state. The governor announced his decision in a personally signed statement on Wednesday, stating he would support whoever emerges as the party's candidate.

Governor Fubara said his withdrawal followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends, and political associates, and was made in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in Rivers State. His exit from the race, just ahead of the party's primary scheduled for Thursday, follows the earlier withdrawal of other prominent aspirants, including Tonye Cole, the party's 2023 flag bearer, and George-Kelly Alabo.

These developments are widely seen as consolidating the position of Kingsley Chinda, a federal lawmaker, as the frontrunner for the APC ticket. Chinda is considered an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The political rivalry between Governor Fubara and the former Rivers governor has defined state politics since shortly after Fubara took office in 2023 under...