Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he was not surprised by the decision of Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Fubara had announced his withdrawal from the race a day before the primary election, stating that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and progress in the state.

The development followed the emergence of Kingsley Chinda, an ally of Wike, as winner of the Rivers APC governorship primary conducted on May 21.

Speaking on Monday during the inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike described Chinda as experienced and capable of governing Rivers State, citing his legislative and executive background.

Commenting on Fubara’s withdrawal, the former Rivers governor said the governor should not have obtained the APC nomination form in the first place.

According to Wike, there had been an understanding that moves to impeach Fubara would be dropped on the condition that the governor would not pursue a second term in office.

The political dispute between Wike and Fubara has continued for several months, with both camps engaged in a prolonged power struggle in Rivers State.

The crisis previously led to impeachment attempts against Fubara by some lawmakers in the state assembly, many of whom are considered loyal to Wike.

Wike had earlier declared opposition to Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing the governor of violating a peace agreement reportedly reached after the intervention of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.