Wike says Fubara accepted a no second-term deal to avoid impeachment

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he was not surprised by the decision of Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Rivers State.

Fubara announced his withdrawal from the race a day before the primary election, stating that his decision was driven by “conviction and sacrifice” aimed at promoting peace and unity in the state.

The APC primary, held on May 21, was won by Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives and a known ally of Wike.

Speaking on Monday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike described Chinda as a capable candidate with both legislative and executive experience needed to govern Rivers State.

“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew,” Wike said.

“From the beginning, he should not have obtained the APC nomination form because there was already an agreement that the impeachment issue would be dropped, while he would also not pursue a second term.”

The political rift between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics in recent months, with tensions escalating into impeachment threats against the governor.

Several lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly who supported moves to impeach Fubara are believed to be loyal to Wike.

The FCT minister had previously declared that he would oppose Fubara’s re-election ambition, accusing the governor of breaching a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu.