Gov. Fubara and Cole Withdraws From Rivers APC Primaries

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Tonye Cole, former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have stepped down from the party’s governorship primaries slated today ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor, in a press statement made available last night, noted his decision followed extensive consultations with family members, friends and political associates.

He said the development was taken in the interest of peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends and associates, I have taken the difficult but important choice to step down from the APC gubernatorial primaries,” he stated.

“I do so with a full heart and with a firm dedication to assist whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”

Fubara affirmed that leadership requires sacrifice, stressing that personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest of the people.

“Rivers State is greater than any individual, and at this critical time, the peace, stability and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.

The governor commended his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, while describing his silence in recent weeks as “deliberate and strategic.

“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 added.

He also appreciated the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement.

The governor claimed that his withdrawal should not be seen as an act of weakness or surrender.

“I stepped down from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship election not as a result of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he stated.

Additionally, Tonye Cole revealed his withdrawal from the governorship contest, stating the need to uphold party unity and respect the supremacy of the APC.

In another statement, Cole said recent consultations and a stakeholders’ meeting held by the national leadership of the party informed his decision.

“As a dedicated democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation and unity among stakeholders within the Rivers APC,” he said.