Wike Explains Fubara’s Exit From 2027 Race

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race was connected to political agreements reached during efforts to restore peace in the state. He made this known in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Wike, discussions held among political stakeholders in Rivers State had produced an understanding aimed at reducing tension and creating stability ahead of future political activities.

He said part of the arrangement included dropping moves linked to the governor’s impeachment while Fubara would also step away from seeking another term.

Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary, explaining that the decision followed consultations and was taken in the interest of maintaining peace and unity in Rivers State. The governor said he reached the decision after discussions with people close to him and careful consideration of the political situation.

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was not surprised by the governor’s withdrawal because, in his view, it followed earlier commitments made during reconciliation talks. He also questioned Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms, saying it appeared inconsistent with previous understandings reached among political actors.

The former Rivers governor added that despite the earlier disagreement, the withdrawal had now created room for the emergence of another candidate.

Wike also spoke on the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as governorship candidate, describing him as an experienced politician with exposure in both the executive and legislative arms of government. He said Chinda’s political background and public profile made him suitable for the position.

The minister maintained that the reconciliation process in Rivers State involved several interventions aimed at preventing further political conflict and creating conditions for stability ahead of the next election cycle.