- Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shagari described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a mature and well-educated leader during a television interview
- He said Fubara exercised his democratic right by withdrawing from the APC governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 elections
- Shagari insisted that the decision was personal and should not be subjected to speculation about external pressure or influence
Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Mukhtar Shagari, has described Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a mature and well-educated leader who understands what is best for himself and his political future.
Shagari made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television, while reacting to Governor Fubara’s withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the Rivers State governor exercised his democratic right by choosing not to participate in the contest, stressing that the decision should be respected without speculation or political interpretation.
“Nobody forced him. Governor Fubara is a mature and well-educated leader who, like every Nigerian, has the right to participate in the democratic process or choose not to,” Shagari said.
He maintained that Fubara’s withdrawal was a personal choice made after consultations, adding that there was no indication that the governor was coerced or pressured into stepping aside.
“He has made his decision not to take part in the 2027 political process, and that choice should be respected,” he added.
Shagari further noted that Fubara himself had not suggested any form of external influence in arriving at the decision, insisting that public commentary should avoid unnecessary speculation.
“He stated that the decision came after consultations, and that he remains committed to his political affiliation. He has also not suggested that anyone forced or influenced his choice,” he said.
The former deputy governor emphasised that political decisions, particularly those involving electoral contests, are often deeply personal and should be treated as such by the public and political stakeholders.
“Ultimately, it is a personal decision, and it should be treated as such without unnecessary speculation,” Shagari stated.