Fubara had announced his withdrawal from the contest a day before the primary election, saying he stepped down out of “conviction and sacrifice for the state to move forward in peace and unity”.
On May 21, a political ally of Wike, emerged winner of the Rivers APC governorship primary election.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting ongoing infrastructural projects in Abuja, Wike said Chinda possesses both legislative and executive experience needed to govern Rivers State.
“I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew,” Wike said.
“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the APC nomination form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure.”
Fubara and Wike have been locked in a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, with the rift leading to attempts by lawmakers loyal to the former Rivers governor to impeach Fubara.
Most of the lawmakers who backed the impeachment move are known allies of Wike.
The FCT minister had also vowed to oppose Fubara’s re-election bid, accusing the governor of breaching the peace agreement both parties signed at the instance of President .
