Wike Says Fubara’s Withdrawal From 2027 Race Part of Rivers Peace Deal

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the decision of Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race was in line with agreements reached during efforts to restore peace and political stability in Rivers State.

Wike made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.

According to the former Rivers governor, Fubara’s withdrawal from the governorship primary was not unexpected because it formed part of understandings reached during reconciliation meetings involving major political stakeholders in the state.

Fubara had recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary, saying his decision was taken after consultations and in the broader interest of peace, unity and stability.

In a statement announcing his withdrawal, the governor said he chose to sacrifice personal political ambition to support reconciliation efforts and reduce tensions in the state.

Reacting to the development, Wike argued that the governor should not have obtained the APC nomination form in the first place because of the earlier understanding reached during peace negotiations.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that part of the reconciliation arrangement included suspending impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek re-election in 2027.

Rivers State has witnessed prolonged political tension since the fallout between Wike and Fubara shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023.

The crisis triggered divisions within the state House of Assembly, multiple court cases and intense political confrontations involving supporters of both camps.

At the peak of the conflict, President Bola Tinubu intervened by convening peace meetings between the rival groups and supervising a political agreement aimed at restoring stability in the oil-rich state.

The President later held additional reconciliation meetings before the eventual lifting of the state of emergency declared in Rivers in 2025.

During one of the peace meetings, Fubara reportedly stated that he was prepared to sacrifice even his political position if necessary to ensure peace returned to the state.

Wike, however, accused the governor of earlier acting contrary to the spirit of the peace arrangement by seeking another term.

According to him, such actions complicated reconciliation efforts and failed to reflect “gentlemanship.”

“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged,” the minister added.

The APC has since declared Kingsley Chinda as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Wike expressed confidence in Chinda’s ability to lead the state, describing the lawmaker as a credible and capable candidate.

Political analysts say the latest development may significantly reshape the power dynamics in Rivers politics ahead of the next election cycle.

Observers also believe the peace arrangement could reduce tensions temporarily, although underlying rivalries within the state’s political structure remain unresolved.