The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was not disqualified from its governorship primary. According to the party, he voluntarily stepped down after passing all required screenings.

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday. He said Fubara purchased the party’s nomination forms, showed up for screening, and was cleared — only to pull out before the primaries.

“He bought the forms, came for screening, passed the screening, and we were waiting for the primaries before he opted to step down,” Yilwatda said.

Yilwatda stressed that Fubara’s decision was personal and not forced by the party. He also dismissed claims that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a long-time political figure in Rivers, had a hand in the process. According to Yilwatda, Wike is not a member of the APC and remains in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fubara had earlier said he withdrew to prioritise peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. However, given his well-known political history with Wike — his former godfather — the move raised plenty of questions.

On the issue of disqualifications, Yilwatda explained that APC rules require all aspirants to be financial members of the party. Anyone without proof of dues payment is automatically disqualified.

He also addressed how Kingsley Chinda — a House of Representatives member and former minority leader — emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers. Chinda defected to the APC and, once properly registered, enjoyed the same rights as other members. Yilwatda said the party does not operate a waiver system but treats every registered member equally.

In short, Fubara was in the race, passed the screening, and then chose to walk away. The APC says the door was never shut on him.