The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has dismissed claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, influenced Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to abandon his second-term ambition. The party clarified that the move was entirely based on an internal agreement aimed at fostering peace and stability in the state.
Governor Fubara announced his withdrawal in a personal statement on Wednesday night titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.” In the statement, the governor said the decision followed extensive consultations with family members, friends, and political associates. He also pledged his full support for whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
Fubara explained that his decision was driven by the need to prioritize peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State above personal ambition.
APC’s Position on Wike’s Alleged Role
Speaking on the development, the APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chibuike Ikenga, addressed the issue during an interview on ARISE Television. Ikenga emphasized that Fubara’s withdrawal was based on a party agreement and was in the best interest of the state.
He dismissed the notion that Wike or any external figure played a role in the party’s decision. “Though Wike is a very serious colossus in Rivers State and Nigeria at large, he doesn’t influence what happens in Rivers State,” Ikenga stated. “We, the members of APC, discussed and took our decision solely on an agreement we had to chart another course. That is why the governor took that step for the interest of peace and progress of the state.”
The APC’s clarification seeks to put to rest speculation that the Minister of the FCT had a hand in the governor’s abrupt withdrawal, reaffirming the party’s autonomy in making internal political decisions.
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