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Rivers state governor, Similayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship primaries scheduled on Thursday, May 21.
Fubara said after a deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends, and associates, “I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party”.
He said leadership is ultimately about sacrifice, adding that there comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. “Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term”.
Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has pulled out of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primaries in Gombe State.
Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday through a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
The statement said the former minister cited violations of the Electoral Act 2026 as the reason for his withdrawal.
He also referenced what he described as the APC leadership’s failure to provide information needed for a transparent and credible primary election in Gombe State.
The statement added that letters written by his solicitors to party officials over concerns surrounding the exercise were neither acknowledged nor answered.
“In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Monday, emerged the candidate of APC Imo West Senatorial District after polling 230,464 votes.
Retired Rear Adm. Williams Kayoda, the Chairman and Returning Officer of the 2026 Imo APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, declared the result at Orlu Local Government Area headquarters.
Kayoda said Uzodimma defeated former governor of the state, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, who garnered 1,098 votes at the party primary election held across 12 local government areas of the senatorial zone.
