A former deputy governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari, has said Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, voluntarily opted out of the 2027 political process.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Shagari said no one forced or pressured the governor into making the decision.
He spoke on Thursday during an interview on Arise TV, where he described Fubara as a mature and well-educated leader who had the right to decide whether or not to participate in future electoral contests.
According to Shagari, Fubara’s decision was reached after broad consultations and should be respected as a personal political choice.
“He stated that the decision came after consultations and that he remains committed to his political affiliation. He has also not suggested that anyone forced or influenced his choice,” Shagari said.
He added that the Rivers governor had not indicated that his decision was influenced by any individual or group.
Shagari said Fubara, like every Nigerian, had the democratic right to participate in politics or stay away from the process.
“Governor Fubara is a mature and well-educated leader who, like every Nigerian, has the right to participate in the democratic process or choose not to.
“He has made his decision not to take part in the 2027 political process, and that choice should be respected.
“Ultimately, it is a personal decision, and it should be treated as such without unnecessary speculation,” he added.