APC Chairman Breaks Silence on Fubara’s Withdrawal From 2027 Governorship Race

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was not disqualified or forced out of its governorship primary, insisting that he voluntarily withdrew after successfully completing the party’s screening process.

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made this known on Monday during an interview.

He explained that Fubara purchased the party’s nomination forms, appeared before the screening committee, and was cleared to contest before deciding to step down ahead of the primaries.

According to him, the governor’s withdrawal was purely a personal decision.

“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 to step down,” Yilwatda said.

The APC chairman also dismissed claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced the process or had any role in Fubara’s withdrawal, stressing that Wike is not a member of the party.

“Wike is not in our party. He is in PDP,” he added.

Governor Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State, while reaffirming his commitment to serve out his current term.

Meanwhile, Wike reacted to the development during an inspection tour of projects in Abuja, dismissing suggestions of any crisis-driven exit and backing the emergence of House of Representatives member Kingsley Chinda as the party’s candidate.

He also claimed that the political situation in Rivers State was shaped by behind-the-scenes negotiations involving President Bola Tinubu, alleging that Fubara’s withdrawal followed assurances linked to impeachment concerns in the state legislature.