…both cite party unity as reason for pulling out

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has pulled out of the Rivers State governorship primary saying his decision was based on deep reflection and wide consultation with his family and friends.

Also, another Frontline aspirant, Tonye Cole pulled out of the primary election.

Read Fubara’s reasons:

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries.

” I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude.

“I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.

“It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Tonye Cole:
Tonye P. Cole has announced his withdrawal from the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries scheduled for tomorrow.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Cole said the decision was taken in the overriding interest of peace, reconciliation, and the supremacy of the party following extensive consultations.
“I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” Cole stated.

Cole, who described himself as a committed democrat and advocate for strong institutions, pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the end of the primaries.

“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state,” he added.

The aspirant expressed profound gratitude to his teeming supporters, including party faithful, women groups, youths, elders, and well-meaning Rivers people who stood by him throughout the process.

He urged all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful, and to fully cooperate with the leadership of the party.

“Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 General Elections,” Cole said.