The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has clarified that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to withdraw from the governorship race was the outcome of internal party consultations, not the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The clarification was given by the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chibuike Ikenga, during an interview on Arise News, where he addressed speculation surrounding the governor’s political future and the factors behind his reported withdrawal.
Ikenga said the party’s decision was collectively taken by its members following internal discussions aimed at charting a political direction considered suitable for the state.
“Though he is a very serious colossus in Rivers State and Nigeria at large, he doesn’t influence what happens in Rivers State,” Ikenga said.
He added that the APC’s position was not externally driven, stressing that the outcome reflected an internal agreement.
“We the members of APC discussed and took our decision solely on an agreement we had to chart another course,” he said.
According to him, the development led to Governor Fubara stepping aside from his second-term ambition in the interest of broader political stability in the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, however, previously stated that he faced significant pressure ahead of the APC governorship primaries. He also noted that not all events surrounding the process could be fully disclosed publicly.
His administration has continued to operate under a tense political environment shaped largely by his strained relationship with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains a dominant figure in Rivers State politics and has previously declared that Fubara would not return for a second term.
