Governor Siminarayi Hubara Exits APC Gubernatorial Primaries
Rivers State Governor Siminarayi Hubara has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries scheduled for this Thursday. In a personally signed statement released Wednesday night, Hubara expressed his intention to support whichever candidate emerges from the party’s primaries. Multiple state media outlets confirmed this development late Wednesday.
Decision Driven by Reflection and Consultation
Hubara stated that his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with his family, political stakeholders, and supporters. He emphasized that his choice was made in the interest of fostering peace, unity, and stability in Rivers State.
A Shift in the Political Landscape
This withdrawal signifies a significant shift in the ongoing political crisis that has characterized Hubara’s tenure since he took office in May 2023. Once aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a protégé of former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, Hubara’s political journey saw a rapid unraveling of this relationship, leading to one of the most intense political battles in the state’s history.
Political Turmoil and Legislative Chaos
The fallout from their fractured relationship has caused a schism within the Rivers State House of Assembly, dividing it into two factions: those loyal to Wike and those supporting Hubara. This unrest culminated in a damaging power struggle, during which the Capitol complex became engulfed in flames amid rising impeachment threats against the governor.
Impeachment Threats and Governance Paralysis
At the height of the crisis, Wike’s loyalists, led by Speaker Martin Amaefure, sought to impeach the governor. Meanwhile, another faction, steered by Victor Oko-Jumbo, rallied in support of Hubara. The ongoing political discord has not only paralyzed governance in this oil-rich state but has also incited protests across various parts of Rivers.
Presidential Intervention and Ongoing Conflict
In late 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened by convening a reconciliation conference in Abuja, aimed at resolving the rift between the contending factions. However, despite this intervention, tensions persisted, coupled with ongoing legal battles and political realignments extending into 2024 and 2025.
State of Emergency and Political Maneuvering
The situation escalated in March 2025, when a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State due to the sustained political instability and governance paralysis. Following this declaration, Hubara, along with his deputy and assembly members, were suspended for six months, leading to the appointment of retired Navy chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole state administrator. After his eventual reinstatement, Hubara made headlines by leaving the APC, a move seen as a strategic negotiation within Rivers politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speculation Surrounding Intra-Party Dynamics
Hubara’s recent withdrawal from the APC gubernatorial race has reignited speculation about the dynamics within the party and the possibility of consensus building as the primaries approach. This decision comes in light of reports that several of Hubara’s supporters were disqualified from running in the primaries, while sympathizers of Wike also faced similar disqualifications by the party’s vetting committee.
