Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he was not surprised by the decision of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Rivers State.

Fubara had pulled out of the race a day before the primary, stating that his decision was based on “conviction and sacrifice for the state to move forward in peace and unity.”

Speaking on Monday after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike said the governor should never have obtained the APC nomination form because a prior political understanding had already been reached.

“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew,” Wike said.

“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure.”

Wike also commended Kingsley Chinda, who emerged winner of the Rivers APC governorship primary on May 21, describing him as experienced and prepared for leadership.

According to the former Rivers governor, Chinda possesses both legislative and executive experience needed to govern the state effectively.

The prolonged political crisis between Wike and Fubara has continued to shape Rivers State politics in recent months, with both camps engaged in a fierce power struggle that triggered impeachment threats against the governor.

Several lawmakers who supported the impeachment move are widely regarded as loyalists of Wike.

The former Rivers governor had earlier vowed to oppose Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing him of violating a peace agreement reportedly brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.