APC Chairman Says Fubara Voluntarily Withdrew From Rivers Governorship Primary

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has clarified that Siminalayi Fubara was not disqualified from the party’s governorship primary in Rivers State, insisting that the governor voluntarily withdrew from the race after successfully passing the screening process.

Fubara had announced on May 20 that he was stepping down from the APC governorship contest, explaining that the decision was made in the interest of peace, unity, and political stability in Rivers State.

In a personally signed statement released at the time, the governor pledged his support for whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate in the election.

Before withdrawing, Fubara and Kingsley Chinda — widely regarded as an ally of Nyesom Wike — had both participated in the APC screening exercise for the governorship primary.

Speculation surrounding Fubara’s political future intensified after he declined to speak with journalists following the screening exercise. Reports later emerged suggesting that several of his loyalists seeking tickets for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries were allegedly disqualified, while aspirants believed to be aligned with Wike were cleared.

However, speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Yilwatda dismissed claims that Fubara failed the screening.

According to the APC chairman, the Rivers governor completed all required procedures successfully before later choosing to withdraw from the contest on his own.

Yilwatda also rejected allegations that Wike influenced the governor’s decision, arguing that the FCT minister is not a registered member of the APC and therefore has no authority over the party’s internal processes.

The latest development adds another layer to the ongoing political realignments and power struggle in Rivers State as political parties continue preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.