My Decision to Withdraw From the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries – Fubara.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a move that caught many political observers off guard. The Rivers State leader officially announced on May 20, 2026, that he will not be contesting in the upcoming APC gubernatorial primaries.
In a statement released to the public, Fubara explained that his decision came after long hours of thinking and talks with those closest to him—his family, his friends, and his political associates. He described the choice as difficult but necessary.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice,” he wrote. “There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people.”
The governor did not shy away from addressing the people who stood behind him. He thanked them for their time, their money, their prayers, and their hope. He also acknowledged that many of them would feel let down.
“I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel,” Fubara said. “Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain.”
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He added that his silence over recent weeks was not accidental. It was, according to him, a deliberate choice made with the bigger picture in mind.
In a moment that has since drawn attention across social media, the governor used a local proverb to explain his position.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he wrote. “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 went on to say that he has faced serious pressures and hard choices, but his love for Rivers State remains bigger than any of those things.
Fubara also used the statement to thank the All Progressives Congress for giving him a platform throughout the process. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well, saying the president offered support and encouragement along the way.
He told party members not to abandon the APC. “The APC remains our collective home,” he said, urging everyone to stay firm and committed as they continue to build a stronger future together.
The governor made sure to clear up what some people might assume about his withdrawal. He said stepping aside from the Rivers State gubernatorial election was not an act of weakness, nor was it driven by fear or surrender.
Instead, he described it as a conviction. A sacrifice. A choice made so that Rivers State can move forward in peace and unity.
“Let it be clearly understood,” he wrote, “I stepped aside… so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity, and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State till the end of my term.”
He ended the statement with a simple thank you and a blessing on the state.
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Fubara’s withdrawal leaves the APC gubernatorial primary in Rivers State open for other candidates. Who will step up to fill the space remains unclear for now. But one thing is certain—supporters of the governor will be watching closely to see who he decides to back next.
For now, Fubara says his focus remains on finishing his current term strong and keeping the peace in a state that has seen its share of political tension.
READ THE FULL SPEECH BELOW:
Fellow Rivers People,
After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.
Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. 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.
To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. 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. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.
I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.
The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.
Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.
Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor, Rivers State
May 20, 2026 .
My Decision to Withdraw From the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries – Fubara.
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