APC says Governor Siminalayi Fubara voluntarily withdrew from Rivers governorship primary after passing screening, not disqualified
The All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Congress, has clarified that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was not disqualified from its governorship primary but voluntarily withdrew from the race after successfully passing screening.
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APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda made the clarification on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating that the governor had met all initial requirements before opting out of the contest.
According to Yilwatda, Fubara purchased the party’s nomination forms, appeared for screening and was cleared by the party before he later decided to step down ahead of the primaries.
He insisted that the decision was personal and not the result of any internal disqualification process by the party.
“He pulled out; he stepped down. It is personal to him. He bought the forms, came for screening, passed the screening, and we were waiting for the primaries before he opted to step down,” he said.
Yilwatda also dismissed speculation linking the process to former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, stating that Wike is not a member of the ruling party.
The APC chairman further addressed concerns around disqualifications during the screening process, noting that the party operates strict guidelines requiring financial membership as a condition for contesting elective positions.
He explained that aspirants must provide evidence of dues payment and active membership before being eligible to participate in party primaries.
“If somebody has not paid his dues and has no proof of being a financial member, he stands disqualified,” he stated.
Yilwatda also noted that individuals who formally defect to the APC are granted equal rights as other members once properly registered, stressing that the party does not operate a waiver system.
Meanwhile, Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, citing the need to prioritise peace, stability and unity in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
His withdrawal sparked political debate due to his past political relationship with Wike, who previously served as his political mentor.
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The clarification from the APC is expected to further shape discussions around the party’s internal processes as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
