Rivers political landscape shifts as key APC aspirants step down ahead of governorship primaries
By Ginikachi Njoku / May 21, 2026
PORT HARCOURT — A major political realignment appears to be unfolding within the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Alabo George-Kelly, and former governorship candidate Tonye Cole have withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The withdrawals, announced within hours of one another on Wednesday, have intensified speculation over strategic political negotiations and internal power balancing within the Rivers APC.
Fubara Announces Withdrawal from APC Primaries
Governor Fubara, in a personally signed statement, said his decision followed deep reflection and consultations with family members, political associates, and supporters.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries,” the governor stated.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.”
Fubara stressed that the peace, unity, and stability of Rivers State must take precedence over personal ambition, insisting that his decision should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he added.
Governor Speaks on Silence Amid Political Pressure
The governor acknowledged growing public pressure and political tension in recent months but maintained that his silence throughout the period was deliberate and strategic.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he said.
Quoting a local proverb, Fubara noted that not every political challenge should be publicly discussed, arguing that restraint was sometimes necessary to preserve stability.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he remarked.
The governor thanked supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout his political journey and reassured them that their trust had not been misplaced.
George-Kelly Withdraws, Backs Party Unity
Shortly after Fubara’s announcement, governorship aspirant Alabo George-Kelly also formally withdrew from the APC governorship race.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, George-Kelly said his decision followed consultations after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC.
According to him, discussions at the meeting centered on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need for strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Following that meeting, and after wide consultations with members of my political team and other critical stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity and in deference to the supremacy of the party, to withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” he stated.
George-Kelly pledged total support and cooperation for whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
Tonye Cole Also Steps Aside
Former APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, also announced his withdrawal from Thursday’s governorship primaries.
Cole reportedly based his decision on outcomes of consultations among party stakeholders and the need to preserve unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development leaves political observers speculating about possible consensus arrangements within the Rivers APC and the broader reconciliation efforts among key political actors in the state.
Political Reconciliation After Fubara-Wike Crisis
The withdrawals come against the backdrop of the prolonged political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over the control of political structures in Rivers State.
The political feud, which dominated the state’s political atmosphere for months, escalated after lawmakers loyal to Wike and led by Martin Amaewhule initiated impeachment moves against Fubara.
In March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending 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 sole administrator of the state.
However, the emergency rule was later lifted after a reconciliation meeting involving Tinubu, Fubara, Wike, Amaewhule, and other political stakeholders.
Fubara Reaffirms Loyalty to APC, Tinubu
Despite stepping down from the race, Fubara reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the APC, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process,” he said.
The governor urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to building a stronger APC in Rivers State.
“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,” he added.
The withdrawal of three major APC governorship aspirants within hours signals a significant shift in Rivers State politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts believe the coordinated exits may reflect deeper negotiations aimed at consolidating party unity and preventing another destructive internal crisis in the strategically important oil-rich state.
Leave a Reply