By David Lawani, Abuja
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and frontline governorship aspirant Tonye Cole on Wednesday withdrew from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries in Rivers State, hours before the exercise, citing party unity, peace, and reconciliation.
Their withdrawal has narrowed the contest to a few remaining contenders, with Kingsley Chinda and Alabo George-Kelly emerging as major frontrunners ahead of today’s primary.
Fubara, in a personally signed statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” said he stepped down after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates, and supporters.
The Governor said the peace and stability of Rivers State must override personal ambition.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” Fubara said.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.”
The Governor acknowledged growing disappointment among his supporters but insisted his silence in recent weeks was deliberate and guided by the “higher interest” of the state.
In an apparent reference to mounting political pressure ahead of the primary, Fubara said, “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, however, maintained that his withdrawal was not borne out of weakness or intimidation.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside 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 added.
Fubara thanked President Bola Tinubu for his “support and encouragement” and urged APC members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hours earlier, Tonye Cole also announced his withdrawal from the race following consultations with party leaders and stakeholders.
Cole said his decision came after “far-reaching discussions” by the national leadership of the APC on the future of the party in Rivers State.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, 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,” Cole stated.
The former governorship candidate pledged support for whoever emerges as the APC candidate.
“I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate,” he said.
Cole also called on his supporters to remain peaceful and to cooperate with the party’s leadership.
The withdrawals are believed to be part of ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Rivers APC aimed at preventing a divisive contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
