Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, has said the withdrawal of Siminalayi Fubara from the 2027 Rivers State governorship race is in line with the peace agreement designed to restore political stability in the state.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said Fubara’s decision was consistent with resolutions reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political stakeholders in Rivers State.
Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries, describing the move as one made in the interest of peace, unity and stability after consultations with family and political associates.
According to Wike, the governor’s decision was expected, noting that previous peace negotiations included an understanding that impeachment threats against Fubara would be dropped on the condition that he would not seek a second term.
He also criticised Fubara’s earlier move to obtain APC nomination forms, saying it contradicted the spirit of the agreement and complicated reconciliation efforts.
Wike expressed support for Kingsley Chinda, describing him as a qualified and experienced candidate for the Rivers governorship.
Meanwhile, a group known as Rivers Professionals welcomed Chinda’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate, describing it as a positive step toward competent and inclusive leadership in the state.
The political crisis in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, following a prolonged power struggle with his predecessor, Wike, over control of the state’s political structure.
