Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries.

In a statement, the Governor said that the decision followed wide consultations with family, friends, and political associates, stressing that personal ambition must give way to the greater interest of Rivers people.

Fubara thanked supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political journey, acknowledging the disappointment many may feel over the withdrawal.

Fubara cited the need for peace, unity, and stability in the state, adding that the silence maintained in recent weeks was deliberate and guided by the higher interest of the state.

While hinting at recent political developments, the Governor said that some issues were best handled quietly in the interest of peace, insisting the decision was not borne out of fear or weakness.

He also appreciated the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement, while urging party faithful to remain united and committed to the party ahead of the governorship election.

Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu does not fully trust him due to his Igbo ethnicity and past support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.

The celebrity barman made the revelation during a livestream with popular streamer Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat on Tuesday night, shortly after failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.

“Tinubu doesn’t really trust me because I’m an Igbo man and I worked for Peter Obi before,” Cubana Chief Priest said. “He looks at me with one eye because of that.”

He explained that he had previously supported Obi but switched allegiance, believing the Labour Party candidate was not positioned to win. Despite his close ties to the Tinubu family, including public association with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, Cubana Chief Priest polled only 14 votes in the APC primary against the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu.

The socialite, who serves as Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, downplayed the loss, insisting he had withdrawn from the race due to zoning arrangements after consultations with party leaders. He also revealed receiving special treatment from APC stakeholders, including a promise of a brand new car.

Cubana Chief Priest has urged young Nigerians to support President Tinubu and actively participate in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many debating issues of trust, ethnicity, and loyalty within the APC.

resents Economic Rescue and Security Blueprint

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday appeared before the Presidential Screening Panel of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of the party’s nomination process for the 2027 election.

The screening exercise, held in Abuja, saw Atiku present his credentials along with a comprehensive blueprint focused on economic revival and enhanced national security. He was accompanied by key allies including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

A statement issued after the session by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the exercise as smooth and productive. Atiku reportedly assured the panel of his commitment to tackling insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship if given the party’s ticket.

The development comes on the same day the rival Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) cleared Peter Obi as its sole presidential aspirant, highlighting the ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027.

Atiku, who recently joined the ADC, is seen as one of the party’s frontrunners for the presidential ticket. The ADC is expected to hold its primaries in the coming days, with party leaders urging unity to mount a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

Reactions have begun trailing in from across the political spectrum as major opposition figures position themselves for the next general election.