Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries ahead of the exercise scheduled for Thursday.
Fubara announced his decision in a statement personally signed on Wednesday night, stating that the move was made in the interest of peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.
The governor said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, friends and political associates.
“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,” he stated.
Fubara also pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the primary election.
According to him, leadership requires sacrifice and the collective interest of the state must come above personal ambition.
“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 acknowledged that many of his supporters may feel disappointed by the development but explained that his actions were guided by the need to protect the overall interest of the state.
He disclosed that he had faced intense pressure and difficult decisions in recent times, adding that his silence throughout the period was deliberate.
Fubara expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC for its support during the process and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement.
He, however, insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that 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.
