By Our Correspondent
National News – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the withdrawal of Siminalayi Fubara from the 2027 Rivers State governorship race aligns with agreements reached during reconciliation efforts in the state.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Monday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects, stressing that the move supports the peace pact aimed at restoring stability in Rivers State.
Fubara had earlier announced his decision to step down from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries after consultations with his family, political allies, and associates.
According to the governor, the decision was taken to promote peace, unity, and political stability in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike explained that the governor’s withdrawal was part of earlier understandings reached during negotiations supervised by President Bola Tinubu.
The President had intervened in the prolonged political crisis between both leaders after tensions escalated into impeachment threats, legislative disputes, and a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The former Rivers governor stated that one of the conditions discussed during reconciliation talks was the suspension of impeachment moves against Fubara in exchange for his commitment not to seek a second term in office.
Wike added that Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain APC nomination forms contradicted the spirit of the agreement and complicated peace efforts.
He also praised Kingsley Chinda, describing him as an experienced politician with the leadership qualities needed to govern Rivers State effectively.
Wike expressed confidence that Chinda’s political background in both the executive and legislative arms would strengthen his governorship ambition.
Meanwhile, Rivers Professionals, a political stakeholder group, endorsed Chinda’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate.
The group described him as competent, experienced, and committed to inclusive governance capable of moving Rivers State forward after years of political tension.
