Fubara, Tonye Cole withdraw from Rivers APC Governorship Primary

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary election in the state.

Fubara made this known in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, saying he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.

The governor thanked his supporters for their unflinching loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging the disappointment many of them may feel over his decision to step aside.

He equally stated that his recent silence was intentional and guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state, noting that he had faced enormous pressure and difficult choices, expressing gratitude to the APC for providing him with a platform during the process and thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.

Fubara called on party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and united, insisting that the APC remains a collective political family committed to building a stronger future for the state.

Meanwhile, Tonye Cole had earlier withdrawn from the party’s primary election.

Cole made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, stating that the decision was taken in the overriding interest of peace, reconciliation, and the supremacy of the party following extensive consultations.

Describing himself as a committed democrat and advocate of strong institutions, he pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the end of the primaries.

The aspirant expressed profound gratitude to his numerous supporters, including party faithful, women groups, youths, elders, and well-meaning Rivers people who stood by him throughout the process.

He urged all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful and to fully cooperate with the leadership of the party.

“I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries.

“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state,” he added.

“Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” Cole said.