The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the withdrawal of Siminalayi Fubara from the 2027 Rivers State governorship contest was in line with a political peace agreement reached to resolve the lingering crisis in the state.
Wike spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja, stating that the governor’s decision was one of the understandings reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political actors in Rivers State.
The Rivers governor had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, explaining that the move was taken after broad consultations and in the interest of maintaining peace, unity, and political stability in the state.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” Fubara said the decision followed careful reflection and consultations with his family, political allies, and associates.
Reacting to the development, Wike maintained that the governor’s withdrawal was expected, noting that part of the truce reached during negotiations was that impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be halted if he agreed not to seek re-election in 2027.
“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 said.
The former Rivers governor further accused Fubara of initially acting contrary to the agreement by obtaining nomination forms, adding that such actions undermined efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he added.
Wike also endorsed Kingsley Chinda for the governorship position, describing him as a capable and experienced politician with a solid background in both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” the minister stated.
“He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket,” he added.
