Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State caused a stir in Abuja on Sunday when he abruptly left the All Progressives Congress governorship screening venue after only 20 minutes. His departure from the Plateau Governor's Lodge came amid rising tension over his re-election bid, especially as other candidates had completed the exercise with minimal issues on Saturday.
According to Daily Trust, Fubara arrived at the screening venue around 3 pm on Sunday, May 10, following his notable absence during the previous day's session. Journalists outside the venue noted a sharp change in his mood as he emerged from the screening room with visible signs of distress. Unlike other state executives who were treated with traditional protocols, the screening committee members did not accompany Fubara to his vehicle. The committee instead remained in the room for several minutes after the governor had already departed the premises.
Party Officials Remain Tight-Lipped
When asked by the press about what transpired inside and whether the Rivers leader was screened, APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru, who emerged from the building shortly after Fubara left, said the party is yet to compile and release a comprehensive report of the screening. 'It is when the screening committee is done meeting and screening all aspirants that it will issue a public report,' he said, shrugging off further questions on whether Fubara was rejected.
Journalists who waited for hours to get a statement from the Rivers State helmsman were met with a wall of silence. Fubara declined all interview requests and offered only a brief 'No comment' as he made his exit. His refusal to engage with the press suggests a deepening rift within the party structure as the primary elections approach. The session was led by the APC Deputy National Chairman for the North, Ali Dalori.
Political Climate in Rivers State
The political climate in Rivers State remains tense due to the ongoing friction between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Speculation within political circles suggests that Wike intends to back the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, for the governorship ticket. Reports also indicate that Chinda was the first person to undergo the screening process on Saturday.
APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru addressed the media regarding the status of the candidates. He clarified that appearing before the panel is a standard requirement but noted that no final decisions have been made yet. 'Once the committee has seen everyone, they will sit down and produce a report. As of now, there is no report from the screening committee,' Basiru stated.
Party Leadership Defends Fubara's Absence
The party leadership had previously defended Fubara's absence on Saturday by citing urgent state duties. National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda had urged the public not to isolate Fubara, noting that other governors were also absent for official reasons.
In a previous story, it was reported that Governor Fubara explained the reason for visiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, September 22, 2025. Fubara had a closed-door meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa a few days after he was reinstated as Rivers State governor. It is recalled that Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State six months after he suspended Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state house of assembly.
