The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he was not surprised by the decision of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election.
Fubara announced his withdrawal from the race just one day before the primary election was scheduled to take place.
In his statement, the governor explained that his decision was based on “conviction and sacrifice,” adding that he wanted to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, unity and political stability in Rivers State after months of political tension.
Reacting to the development, Wike said the governor’s withdrawal did not come as a surprise to him. According to the FCT minister, the earlier move to impeach Fubara was eventually abandoned after certain conditions were reached during political discussions and reconciliation efforts.
Wike claimed that one of the key conditions for dropping the impeachment process was that Fubara would not contest for a second term as governor. He suggested that the latest decision by the governor to step away from the APC governorship race aligns with that understanding.
The political crisis in Rivers State has lasted for several months and involved disagreements between Governor Fubara and political figures loyal to Wike. The situation created divisions within the state’s political structure and led to concerns about governance and stability.
Fubara, however, presented his withdrawal as a move made in the interest of the state rather than personal political ambition. He said peace and unity were more important and expressed hope that his decision would help reduce tension and allow Rivers State to move forward.
Wike’s comments have added another dimension to the political discussions surrounding the governor’s decision, with many observers expected to continue debating the implications for the future of politics in Rivers State and the governor’s next political steps.
