Fubara Says He Is Not A Coward, Withdraws From Governorship Race

By Adesina Soyooye 

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has finally dropped out of the contest to retain the State’s Governorship seat in 2027.

He has withdrawn from the Governorship Primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.

In a statement which he personally signed on Wednesday, dated May 20, Governor Fubara said his action was not because he is a coward. He also dismissed the idea of his being weak. He said he withdrew from the race out of conviction and because he wanted to make sacrifice for peace and progress in the State.

“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 promised to support whichever candidate emerges as the candidate of the APC. 

Following is the full text of Governor Fubara’s letter of withdrawal from the race which he addressed to his “dear” Rivers people.”

“*MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS  STATE  GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES*

“Fellow Rivers People,

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

“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.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. 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. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

“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. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s 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 and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

May 20, 2026.”

Since 2023 when he was sworn into office, Fubara has been a governor only in name. His undoing stemmed from the very grave political crisis which engulfed Rivers State three months after he was sworn into office. The political crisis, a product of  the bitter falling apart with his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory brought the State to its knees and made a ridicule of democracy.