The Guardian Nigeria News: Fubara’s withdrawal from Rivers APC primary not surprising – Wike
Published on: 05/30/2026
By Olufemi Damilola
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he was not surprised by the decision of Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Rivers State.
Fubara had announced his withdrawal from the race a day before the primary, saying the decision was made out of “conviction and sacrifice for the state to move forward in peace and unity.”
The development came days after Kingsley Chinda, a House of Representatives member and ally of Wike, emerged winner of the Rivers APC governorship primary held on May 21.
Speaking on Monday while inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said Chinda possessed the necessary experience to govern Rivers State, citing his background in both legislative and executive matters.
Reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal, the FCT minister said: “I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew.”
“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the [APC nomination] form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” he added.
The political crisis between Wike and Fubara has persisted for months, with both sides locked in a prolonged power struggle that led to attempts by some lawmakers to impeach the governor.
Many of the Rivers State legislators who backed the impeachment process are considered allies of the former Rivers governor.
Wike had earlier vowed to oppose Fubara’s re-election ambition, accusing the governor of breaching a peace agreement reportedly signed by both parties following the intervention of Bola Tinubu.
Fubara had announced his withdrawal from the race a day before the primary, saying the decision was made out of “conviction and sacrifice for the state to move forward in peace and unity.”
The development came days after Kingsley Chinda, a House of Representatives member and ally of Wike, emerged winner of the Rivers APC governorship primary held on May 21.
Speaking on Monday while inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said Chinda possessed the necessary experience to govern Rivers State, citing his background in both legislative and executive matters.
Reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal, the FCT minister said: “I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew.”
“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the [APC nomination] form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” he added.
The political crisis between Wike and Fubara has persisted for months, with both sides locked in a prolonged power struggle that led to attempts by some lawmakers to impeach the governor.
Many of the Rivers State legislators who backed the impeachment process are considered allies of the former Rivers governor.
Wike had earlier vowed to oppose Fubara’s re-election ambition, accusing the governor of breaching a peace agreement reportedly signed by both parties following the intervention of Bola Tinubu.