The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the 2027 governorship race is linked to a political peace agreement aimed at stabilising the state.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while briefing journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja.
He said the development was consistent with agreements reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political stakeholders in Rivers State.
Fubara had earlier stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, saying his decision followed consultations and was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said the move came after careful reflection and discussions with family, allies and political associates.
However, Wike insisted that the withdrawal was not unexpected, arguing that it aligned with earlier understandings reached during peace negotiations.
According to the former Rivers State governor, part of the agreement included the dropping of impeachment proceedings against Fubara on the condition that he would not pursue a second term.
He also criticised the governor’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms, saying it went against the spirit of the agreement and complicated reconciliation efforts.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because an agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go for a second term,” Wike said.
He added that the governor’s earlier actions “did not show signs of gentlemanship,” despite efforts aimed at restoring stability.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he said.
Wike also expressed confidence in the political credentials of Kingsley Chinda, describing the lawmaker as a capable governorship candidate.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he said.
“He is quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and get the ticket.”
