Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race was in line with a political peace agreement reached to stabilise the state.
Wike made the revelation on Monday while briefing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
He stated that the move aligned with understandings from reconciliation efforts involving major political stakeholders in Rivers State.
Fubara had recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, citing the need for peace, unity, and stability in the state after wide consultations with his family, friends, and associates.
In his withdrawal statement, the governor emphasised that “Rivers State is bigger than any individual” and that personal ambition must give way to the greater good of the state at this critical time.
He pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people till the end of his current term.
However, Wike explained that the withdrawal was not surprising, as it formed part of earlier agreements during peace negotiations.
According to him, one key element of the deal was dropping impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek a second term in 2027.
“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 former Rivers governor faulted Fubara’s initial decision to pick up nomination forms, describing it as contrary to the spirit of the agreement.
He, however, welcomed the withdrawal and expressed confidence in a potential successor, particularly praising Hon. Kingsley Chinda as a strong and experienced candidate.
This development comes amid the long-running political rift between Wike and his successor, which has dominated Rivers State politics since Fubara assumed office.
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