Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, pledging to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday night and titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, Fubara said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family, friends and associates.

He said the interest of Rivers State must come above personal ambition, stressing that peace, stability and unity in the state were paramount.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” he said.

Fubara had appeared before the screening panel after other governorship aspirants from Rivers State were screened ahead of Thursday primaries. He, however, declined to speak with journalists after the exercise in Abuja.

The uncertainty surrounding his ambition has been heightened by the position of his political mentor and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly insisted that Fubara would not secure a second term in 2027.

The situation became more intriguing following Wike’s recent meeting with Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, in Abuja.

Wike and Fubara have remained locked in a prolonged political battle over the control of the state’s political structure, governance, and resources despite being members of different parties.

Wike is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but is serving in the APC-led government as minister for the FCT and wields so much influence in both parties.

Those who were cleared to contest the primaries against Fubara were Kingsley Chinda, Dax George-Kelly and Tonye Cole.

Fubara thanked his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging the disappointment many might feel over his withdrawal.

“I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to the APC leadership and President Bola Tinubu for their support and encouragement.

He maintained that his withdrawal should not be seen as an act of weakness or surrender but one driven by “conviction and sacrifice” aimed at preserving peace and unity in Rivers State.

Fubara added that he remains committed to serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure.

Tonye Cole, co-founder of Sahara Group, also dropped his bid to participate in Thursday’s APC governorship primaries in Rivers State.

He made the announcement on Wednesday evening, hours before the party’s governorship primaries.

Cole cited his commitment to unity, reconciliation, and party supremacy as primary reasons for stepping aside from the race.

He said, “I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among the various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party, the APC.”

Cole said his decision to quit the race followed a critical stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where far-reaching discussions were held on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need for a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections.

“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,” he said.

Cole pledged his support to whoever emerges as the APC candidate after the primary, describing the decision as one made in the spirit of patriotism and deep reflection.

“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 said.

The APC has not made an announcement on the list of aspirants for Thursday’s governorship primaries. But sources close to the party suggest that Fubara, Cole, Kingsley Chinda, and Dax George-Kelly had been cleared to contest.

Fubara and Cole’s withdrawal from the primaries leaves the field open for a straight contest between Chinda and George-Kelly, both allies of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).