The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed the underlying reasons behind the sudden withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries.
According to Wike, Governor Fubara’s exit was tied to a pre-existing political pact made with opposing factions. The deal reportedly guaranteed that the state legislature would drop its impeachment proceedings against Fubara on the condition that he would not contest for a second term in 2027.
Wike made these disclosures on Thursday during an inspection tour of key infrastructure projects slated for commissioning to mark the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
‘Unprincipled and Un-gentlemanly’
Addressing journalists during the tour, the immediate past governor of Rivers State stated that Fubara’s last-minute withdrawal from the primaries did not catch him off guard. However, he heavily criticized his political protégé for lacking principle and acting in bad faith by picking up the nomination form in the first place.
“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew,” Wike stated. “In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped while he should also not talk about a second tenure.”
Wike added that the governor’s initial actions failed to reflect political integrity, especially given the continuous peace interventions by leadership at the federal level.
“I’m not surprised that he had to withdraw at that stage. But by collecting the form first, he didn’t show signs of gentlemanliness. That was not expected. We thought that Mr. President had been intervening severally and pleading with the legislature not to continue with the impeachment. But as it stands, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged as the governorship candidate for the APC,” Wike noted.
Wike Backs Kingsley Chinda for Rivers Guber
Following Fubara’s exit from the race, Hon. Kingsley Chinda emerged as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State. Wike strongly endorsed Chinda, describing the House of Representatives member as a highly capable and experienced leader.
“He is a good product that markets itself,” Wike remarked, highlighting Chinda’s extensive legislative background and his previous record as an audible and effective Minority Leader on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike emphasized that Chinda’s experience working closely with the executive arm of government makes him well-equipped for governance.
FCT Project Inspection Ahead of Tinubu’s 3rd Anniversary
Beyond the political fallout in Rivers State, the FCT Minister focused on the rapid developmental strides in the nation’s capital. Wike expressed immense satisfaction with the contractors handling various critical road and housing projects.
Key infrastructure updates from the inspection include:
- Renewed Hope City, Karsana: Wike declared the mega-housing project, executed by Lubriks, as 98% completed and virtually ready.
- Old Keffi Road, Dei Dei: The critical road section has been fully asphalted and fitted with functional street lights ahead of its upcoming official commissioning.
- Airport Road to Kuje: Wike lauded Arab Contractors for what he described as a “fantastic job” on this crucial corridor.
“I’m sure anybody who goes there will admire it, and that is what is called governance. We are very proud of what the contractors have done,” Wike concluded.
