The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says Governor Siminalayi Fubara was fully cleared to contest the party’s governorship primary in Rivers State before voluntarily stepping down from the race.
Yilwatda dismissed claims that the governor was forced out of the process, insisting that Fubara participated fully in the nomination procedure by purchasing forms, appearing before the screening committee, and securing clearance to contest.
He explained that the governor later withdrew on personal grounds before the commencement of the primary election, stressing that the party did not disqualify or sideline him at any stage of the process.
According to him, “He pulled out, he stepped down. It is personal to him. He bought the forms, came for screening, passed the screening, and we were waiting for the primaries before he opted out.”
The APC chairman also rejected suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced developments in the Rivers State primary, noting that Wike is not a member of the ruling party and has no role in its internal decision-making.
Governor Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the contest, describing it as a sacrifice made in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that his decision should not be seen as weakness or surrender, but a deliberate step to reduce political tension in the state while continuing to focus on governance and development.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high in Rivers State, with rival factions continuing to trade accusations over influence and control of party structures ahead of the next election cycle.
Observers say the developments highlight ongoing realignments in the state’s political landscape, with key actors positioning themselves ahead of 2027.
