The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the 2027 governorship race is linked to a political peace agreement aimed at stabilising the state.

Wike remarked on Monday while briefing journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja.

He said the development was consistent with understandings reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political actors in Rivers State.

Fubara recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary, saying his decision was taken after consultations and in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said the move followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.

However, Wike maintained that the withdrawal was not unexpected, arguing that it aligned with earlier agreements reached during peace negotiations.

According to the former Rivers State governor, part of the understanding included dropping impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek a second term.

He also faulted the governor’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms, saying it ran contrary to the spirit of the agreement and complicated reconciliation efforts.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

He added that the governor’s earlier actions “didn’t show signs of gentlemanship” despite several interventions aimed at restoring stability.

“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he stated.

Wike also expressed confidence in Chinda’s political credentials, describing the lawmaker as a suitable candidate for the governorship position.

The minister added, “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material.

“He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.” (PUNCH)

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