Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the decision by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race was in line with agreements reached during efforts to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
According to the former Rivers State governor, Fubara’s withdrawal from the governorship contest formed part of understandings reached during reconciliation meetings involving political stakeholders in the state.
Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, saying the decision followed consultations and was taken in the interest of peace, unity and stability in Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Wike said the governor’s withdrawal did not come as a surprise because it aligned with commitments allegedly made during peace negotiations.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike stated.
The minister also criticised Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain the APC nomination form, insisting it contradicted the spirit of the reconciliation agreement and complicated ongoing peace efforts.
President Bola Tinubu had previously intervened in the political crisis between Wike and Fubara, including overseeing a peace pact signed by both camps.
The crisis later escalated following disagreements over the implementation of the agreement, eventually leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Wike further accused the governor of failing to demonstrate sincerity despite several interventions aimed at restoring political stability in the state.
He said Fubara’s earlier actions “did not show signs of gentlemanship” despite reconciliation efforts.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged,” Wike added.
