Fubara’s Withdrawal From APC Primary Sparks Fresh Political Tension In Rivers
The political atmosphere in Rivers State took another dramatic turn on Wednesday night after Siminalayi Fubara officially announced his withdrawal from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
In a personally signed statement that has since sent shockwaves across the nation’s political landscape, Governor Fubara declared that his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State, even as political pressures continue to mount behind closed doors.
The governor described the decision as painful but necessary, emphasizing that leadership sometimes demands sacrifice beyond personal ambition. According to him, the collective interest of Rivers people must supersede every individual political aspiration.
His words carried both emotion and hidden political undertones.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual,” Fubara stated, insisting that the peace and unity of the state must come first at a critical time such as this.
A Withdrawal Surrounded By Silence, Pressure And Political Calculations
Although Governor Fubara refrained from openly naming those allegedly responsible for the pressures surrounding the primary process, many political observers believe his statement contained coded messages directed at powerful interests battling for control of Rivers State politics.
Particularly striking was his proverb-laden remark:
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”
That statement alone has triggered widespread speculation across Nigeria’s political circles, with analysts suggesting that the governor may have been compelled to withdraw under intense political pressure from forces within and outside the APC structure.
For weeks, rumours had circulated regarding internal negotiations, alignments, and strategic compromises involving influential political actors connected to the future of Rivers State politics ahead of the 2027 electoral calculations.
Fubara’s silence during the crisis had already raised concerns among his supporters. However, in his latest statement, the governor revealed that his silence was deliberate and strategic, aimed at protecting the larger interests of the state.
Tinubu Mentioned As Fubara Appreciates APC Leadership
Interestingly, Governor Fubara openly appreciated Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as support and encouragement throughout the political process.
He also thanked the APC leadership for granting him the opportunity to participate in the process, despite eventually stepping aside from the race.
The development has fueled further debate over the governor’s political future and his relationship with the ruling party hierarchy.
Some analysts believe the withdrawal may signal a broader political understanding yet to be publicly disclosed, while others argue it may represent an attempt to avoid escalating tensions capable of destabilizing Rivers State.
Supporters React With Mixed Feelings
Across Rivers State, reactions among supporters have remained mixed.
While some loyalists praised the governor for choosing peace over confrontation, others expressed disappointment, arguing that enormous sacrifices had already been made during the political struggle leading up to the primaries.
Nevertheless, Fubara appealed directly to his supporters to remain calm and committed to the APC, describing the party as their collective political home.
He also rejected suggestions that his withdrawal amounted to political weakness or surrender.
According to him, his decision was rooted in conviction, sacrifice, and the desire to ensure lasting peace in Rivers State.
Editorial Insight: Rivers Politics Remains Nigeria’s Most Volatile Battlefield
The withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the APC governorship primary may appear on the surface as a peaceful political decision, but beneath the calm language lies a deeper reflection of the intense power struggle that has continued to define Rivers State politics.
Rivers remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic and economically sensitive states. Any major political movement within the state automatically attracts national attention because of its enormous influence on oil politics, federal calculations, and regional alliances.
Fubara’s statement suggests that unresolved political tensions still exist despite repeated reconciliation efforts among competing camps.
The governor’s insistence that “some truths are best borne quietly” may eventually become one of the defining political quotes of this season, especially if future events reveal the unseen battles currently shaping Rivers politics.
For now, one thing remains clear: the political drama in Rivers State is far from over.
Source: The Nation Newspaper
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