Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries, declaring that his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in the state.
In a strongly worded statement issued on May 20, 2026, the governor said he took the “difficult but necessary decision” after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family, friends and political associates.
Fubara, however, hinted at intense political pressure surrounding the contest, stating that there were realities he could not publicly disclose in the interest of peace.
“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,” he said.
The governor stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender, insisting that he stepped aside purely out of “conviction and sacrifice.”
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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,” he declared.
Fubara said leadership demands sacrifice and noted that personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest 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,” he stated.
The governor expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the disappointment many of them may feel following his decision after months of political mobilisation and investment.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Fubara also thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and singled out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for praise and encouragement.
“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,” he added.
Despite withdrawing from the race, the governor pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate.
“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,” he said.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to serving Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure as governor.
Governor Fubara’s full speech:
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 .
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