The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has clarified that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, successfully passed the party’s governorship screening exercise but voluntarily withdrew from the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Professor Yilwatda made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, May 26, 2026. He emphasized that Governor Fubara duly purchased the nomination forms, appeared before the screening committee, and was cleared to contest before making a personal decision to step down.
“He bought the forms, came for screening, passed the screening, and we were waiting for the primaries before he opted to step down. He pulled out; he stepped down. It is personal to him,” Yilwatda stated.
This clarification comes after Governor Fubara announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary on May 20, 2026. In his statement, the Governor cited his decision as one of conviction and sacrifice aimed at fostering peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC National Chairman stressed that the Governor’s exit was entirely voluntary and not due to any disqualification or external pressure, reaffirming that the party adhered strictly to due process in the screening exercise.