The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has linked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race to a political peace agreement designed to stabilise the state.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike explained that the decision was consistent with understandings reached during reconciliation efforts among key political actors in Rivers.
Fubara had recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, citing consultations and the need to promote peace, unity, and stability. In his statement, titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, the governor said the move followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.
Wike, however, maintained that the withdrawal was not surprising, noting it aligned with earlier agreements that impeachment threats against Fubara would be dropped if he refrained from seeking a second term. He criticised the governor’s initial decision to obtain nomination forms, saying it contradicted the spirit of the peace deal 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 agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.
He added that Fubara’s earlier actions “didn’t show signs of gentlemanship” despite several interventions aimed at restoring stability.
Wike further expressed confidence in Kingsley Chinda’s candidacy, describing the lawmaker as a strong contender for the governorship.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material. He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the APC to join them and then get the ticket,” the minister said.
