Why Fubara Withdrew From APC Governorship Race As Wike Ally Emerges Sole Candidate

According to a report by The Punch on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dropped out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary race to prevent internal crisis and preserve the state’s political stability.

Fubara announced his sudden exit on Wednesday night, calling it a difficult but necessary sacrifice. He explained that his love for Rivers State outweighs personal ambition, urging his loyalists to maintain calm.

The withdrawal comes after a tense, ongoing three-year battle for local political structures between Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The party leadership recently disqualified over 30 legislative aspirants loyal to Fubara, leaving Wike’s close ally, Kingsley Chinda, as the sole contender after frontrunner Tonye Cole also stepped aside.

While governors in 11 states—including Kaduna, Kano, and Delta—secured automated second-term tickets via consensus agreements, other regions are seeing major pushback from independent aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In Kwara State, 13 independent candidates rejected consensus proposals to openly challenge Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, the preferred successor endorsed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Over in Plateau State, retired military officer Yilcini Bida dismissed local rumors of his withdrawal, clarifying that he remains in the race to contest directly against Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Adamawa State remains highly volatile as political camps linked to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu back opposing candidates, Mustapha Salihu and Tijjani Galadima.

Oyo State follows closely with 11 primary aspirants, including former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu. Fierce multi-candidate races are similarly playing out across Bauchi, Benue, and Nasarawa.

The APC national leadership confirmed that direct democratic primaries will strictly proceed wherever consensus arrangements have completely collapsed.