Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shagari has dismissed suggestions of external pressure on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries as a personal and well-considered decision.
Shagari made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television while reacting to Fubara’s decision to pull out of the race for the 2027 governorship election.
According to Shagari, Governor Fubara is a “mature and well-educated leader” who fully understands his options and has the right to either participate in the democratic process or opt out.“Nobody forced him,” Shagari stated. “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.”
He added that the governor reached the decision after wide consultations and remains committed to his political affiliation. Shagari urged that the move be treated as a personal choice without unnecessary speculation or conspiracy theories.
Fubara’s withdrawal, announced shortly before the primaries, came after he defected to the APC in December 2025 amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State. The decision, which also saw other aspirants like Tonye Cole step aside, is widely seen as aimed at fostering party unity ahead of the 2027 polls.
Shagari’s comments appear to counter narratives suggesting the governor was coerced or influenced by internal party dynamics or external forces.
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