Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to Siminalayi Fubara’s sudden withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Rivers State, saying the move did not come as a surprise to him.
Fubara had announced his exit from the race just a day before the primary election, explaining that his decision was made out of “conviction and sacrifice” to allow peace and unity in Rivers State.
His withdrawal came shortly before Kingsley Chinda, believed to be a close ally of Wike, emerged winner of the APC governorship primary held on May 21.
Speaking while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike openly backed Chinda, describing him as a capable and experienced politician with both legislative and executive experience needed to govern Rivers State.
Reacting to Fubara’s decision to step aside, the former Rivers governor said the suspended governor was never expected to join the race in the first place because of an earlier agreement reached during the political crisis in the state.
“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew,” Wike said.
“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was that impeachment should be dropped while he should not talk about second tenure,” he added.
The political tension between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics for months, with both camps locked in a bitter power struggle that led to impeachment threats against the governor by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Several lawmakers involved in the impeachment moves are widely believed to be loyal to Wike, who has repeatedly accused Fubara of violating a peace agreement reportedly brokered after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the crisis.
Wike had earlier vowed to block Fubara’s second-term ambition, further deepening the political division within Rivers State.
The latest development has now sparked fresh reactions online as Nigerians continue to follow the ongoing political battle between both leaders.
Source: Comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during project inspection in Abuja.
