The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he was not surprised by the decision of Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the APC governorship primary in Rivers State.
Fubara had pulled out of the race a day before the primary election, explaining that his decision was made in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.
Following the primary held on May 21, Kingsley Chinda, who is considered an ally of Wike, emerged as the APC governorship candidate.
Speaking during the inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday, Wike praised Chinda’s experience in both legislative and executive roles, saying he possesses the capacity to govern Rivers State effectively.
Reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal, Wike stated that the governor was never expected to contest in the first place because an agreement had already been reached. According to him, the understanding was that impeachment efforts against Fubara would be halted, while the governor would not pursue a second-term ambition.
The political crisis between Wike and Fubara has lingered for months, with tensions escalating to impeachment attempts led by lawmakers loyal to the former Rivers governor.
Wike had previously declared that he would oppose Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing the governor of breaching the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu.