Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Rivers State.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday night, the Rivers governor said his decision followed deep reflection and consultations with 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. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara stated.

The governor said his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in Rivers State, insisting that personal ambition must sometimes give way to the greater public interest.

“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,” he said.

Fubara also addressed his supporters, acknowledging their disappointment while assuring them that their sacrifices and loyalty were not in vain.

“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 added.

“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.”

Quoting a local proverb, the governor suggested that some political realities were best handled quietly for the sake 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.

Fubara stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship 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.

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership for their support during the political process, while urging party members to remain united.

Fubara recently participated in the APC screening exercise alongside Kingsley Chinda, an ally of Nyesom Wike.

His withdrawal comes amid a prolonged political feud between him and Wike over the control of political structures in Rivers State. The crisis previously escalated into impeachment threats by lawmakers loyal to Wike and eventually led to the declaration of emergency rule in the state by President Tinubu in March 2025.

The emergency rule was later lifted after a reconciliation meeting involving Tinubu, Fubara, Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.