The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed why Siminalayi Fubara pulled out of the 2027 governorship race in Rivers State.
Wike said the governor’s decision was tied to a political agreement reached during efforts to restore peace and stability in the state after months of tension between both camps.
The former Rivers governor spoke on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
According to him, Fubara’s withdrawal from the governorship contest did not come as a surprise because it was part of the understandings reached during reconciliation talks involving major political stakeholders in Rivers State.
Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary. The governor said his decision followed consultations with family members, political associates and supporters.
In a statement titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” Fubara explained that the move was made in the interest of peace, unity and stability in Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Wike insisted that the arrangement had long been discussed during the peace process.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.
The FCT minister stated that part of the political settlement was that moves to impeach Fubara would be abandoned, while the governor would also step away from any re-election ambition in 2027.
Wike also criticised Fubara for initially obtaining nomination forms despite the earlier understanding among political actors.
According to him, the governor’s action complicated reconciliation efforts at a time several stakeholders were working behind the scenes to calm the political crisis in the oil-rich state.
He said, “But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged.”
Wike further threw his weight behind Kingsley Chinda, describing the federal lawmaker as a qualified and experienced politician capable of leading Rivers State.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” the minister stated.
“He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.”