*Move Sparks Fresh Political Calculations Ahead of 2027 Rivers Governorship Poll
*Aspirants Cite Party Unity, Peace and Supremacy of APC Leadership
*Fubara Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu, Pledges Support for Party Candidate
The political landscape in Rivers State witnessed a dramatic twist on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former governorship candidate Tonye Cole, and governorship aspirant Alabo George-Kelly separately announced their withdrawal from the forthcoming governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.
The coordinated withdrawals came barely 24 hours before the party’s scheduled governorship primary election billed for Thursday, May 21, 2026, triggering widespread political reactions and fresh permutations within the Rivers APC.
Governor Fubara, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, disclosed his decision in a personally signed statement released to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the governor, his decision followed what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates and close allies.
Fubara stated that although the decision was difficult, it became necessary in the overriding interest of peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.
The governor maintained that Rivers State remains bigger than any personal ambition, stressing that political interests must never be allowed to threaten the peace and future of the state.
He pledged total support for whoever eventually emerges as the candidate of the APC in the governorship race, insisting that party unity must be protected at all costs.
Fubara thanked his supporters across Rivers State for their sacrifices, loyalty and commitment throughout his political journey, assuring them that their support would never be taken for granted.
The governor acknowledged that many of his loyalists may feel disappointed by his withdrawal but appealed to them to remain calm and continue supporting the APC and its leadership.
He noted that his silence in recent months amid mounting political tensions should not be mistaken for weakness or fear, explaining that his actions were carefully guided by wisdom and strategic considerations.
Quoting a local proverb, Fubara said not every challenge or experience should be openly discussed in public, adding that restraint sometimes becomes necessary for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.
The Rivers governor revealed that he had faced enormous pressures and difficult political choices in recent times but insisted that his love for Rivers State remained stronger than every personal consideration.
Fubara also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and support throughout the political process.
He described the APC as a collective political home for all members and supporters, urging party faithful to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor further clarified that his withdrawal from the governorship race should not be interpreted as an act of surrender or political defeat.
According to him, the decision was made out of conviction, sacrifice and patriotism in order to allow Rivers State move forward in peace and unity.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State diligently until the expiration of his tenure in office.
Political observers believe the governor’s decision may not be unconnected with the prolonged political crisis between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The feud between both political figures had dominated the Rivers political scene since 2023, largely over the control of political structures and influence within the state.
The crisis escalated following moves by lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, to impeach Governor Fubara.
The political tension eventually led President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, resulting in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Following the suspension, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator of the state pending political reconciliation among the major actors.
However, after months of consultations and interventions, the emergency rule was lifted following a reconciliation meeting involving President Tinubu, Fubara, Wike and key lawmakers in June 2025.
In a related development, APC governorship aspirant Alabo George-Kelly also announced his withdrawal from the party’s governorship primary election.
George-Kelly, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said his decision followed a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC to discuss the future of the party in Rivers State.
He explained that after wide consultations with his political team and critical stakeholders, he resolved to withdraw from the race in deference to party supremacy and unity.
The aspirant pledged unwavering loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
George-Kelly, who described himself as a committed member of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for President Tinubu under the leadership of Wike, said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for Rivers politics.
He stressed that his political philosophy has always been guided by loyalty, leadership and respect for constituted authority within the party structure.
Also withdrawing from the race was Tonye Cole, the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Rivers governorship election.
Cole, in a separate statement released on Wednesday, announced his decision to step aside from the forthcoming primaries in the interest of party unity, peace and collective progress.
He said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with members of his political team, supporters, associates and party stakeholders across Rivers State.
According to Cole, his withdrawal was based on principle, reflection and commitment to the stability of both the APC and Rivers State rather than political pressure.
The former governorship candidate appreciated his supporters, including youth groups, women organisations and party loyalists who stood by him throughout his political journey.
Cole, however, maintained that his withdrawal from the contest does not amount to abandoning the cause for positive change and development in Rivers State.
He assured supporters that he would continue contributing to the progress of the APC and work toward what he described as the important transformation Rivers State deserves.
The wave of withdrawals has intensified speculations over possible consensus arrangements within the Rivers APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with analysts suggesting that the developments may signal a broader political realignment within the party.
