Fubara, Cole withdraw from Rivers APC governorship primaries

My decision taken in the interest of peace, stability, unity of Rivers people-says Gov

Pledges support for whoever emerged as APC guber candidate

Why I stepped down – Tony Cole

Emeka Agu with agency reports

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, have withdrawn from the APC gubernatorial primaries in the state ahead of today’s (Thursday) exercise.

Fubara announced his decision in a statement he issued to Journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Fubara said his move followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his family, friends and associates.

The governor said he took the decision in the interest of peace, stability and unity of Rivers people.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people.

“Rivers state is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.

Fubara pledged support for whoever emerged as the APC candidate, describing the party as “our collective home”.

He thanked his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political process, while acknowledging the disappointment many might feel over his withdrawal.

“I understand the disappointment, the anger and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way.

“But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain,” he said.

The governor said his silence in recent times had been “deliberate and strategic”, adding that some decisions were taken in the higher interest of the state.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.

“Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” he said.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement during the period.

He urged APC members and supporters in the state to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s collective vision.

The governor, however, maintained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers state gubernatorial election 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 said.

Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers until the end of his tenure.

Meanwhile, Tonye Cole, a former APC governorship candidate in Rivers, has withdrawn from the party’s primary election in the state ahead of today’s exercise.

Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Cole said the decision followed consultations with members of his political team, supporters, and stakeholders within the APC in Rivers state.

The former governorship candidate said he decided to step down in the interest of party unity and reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the national leadership of the APC recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting where discussions were held on the future of the party in Rivers state.

Cole said he remained committed to dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among various factions within the APC in Rivers.

 “Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” he said.

“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries.

“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state.”

Cole thanked party members, women’s groups, youths, elders, and supporters across Rivers state for standing by him throughout his campaign.

“Although I may be stepping aside from this contest, I remain fully committed to the ideals, principles, and aspirations that brought us together, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of our party and the development of Rivers State and for the important change we all want to see,” he said.

The APC chieftain also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate with the leadership of the party ahead of the elections.

“I therefore call on all my supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast, and to give their full cooperation to the leadership of our great party,” he said.

“Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 General Elections.”