There was mild drama at the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise in Abuja on Sunday after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, abruptly left the venue shortly after appearing before the party’s screening panel.
Fubara, who arrived at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge at about 3pm, spent less than 30 minutes inside the screening hall before exiting with a visibly stern expression.
The governor declined to address journalists who had been stationed at the venue for hours awaiting his arrival. When approached by reporters seeking details of the exercise, Fubara responded curtly: “No comment.”
His conduct immediately fuelled speculation over the outcome of the session, especially as other governors seeking re-election reportedly completed their screenings without incident on Saturday.
Party insiders also observed that unlike previous aspirants, Fubara was not accompanied out of the hall by members of the screening committee — a gesture often extended to governors and senior party figures.
Witnesses said members of the panel remained inside the venue and only came out several minutes after the Rivers governor had departed.
The screening exercise was chaired by the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori.
Fubara’s appearance at the screening comes amid lingering political tensions between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, his former political ally.
The rift between both men has continued to shape the political atmosphere in Rivers State, with reports suggesting that forces loyal to Wike are working to deny Fubara a second term ticket.
Among those reportedly being considered as an alternative candidate is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.
Sources within the party said Chinda was among the earliest aspirants screened by the committee on Saturday.
There are also claims in political circles that one of Wike’s sons may eventually contest for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat currently occupied by Chinda, although the reports remain unverified.
Responding to questions from journalists after the screening exercise, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the committee had not yet released its report and therefore could not confirm the status of any aspirant.
“As of now, there is no report from the screening committee. Everybody who appears before the panel is part of the process, and the committee will deliberate and issue its report afterward,” Basiru said.
On Saturday, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, had dismissed concerns over Fubara’s earlier absence from the exercise, insisting that governors often adjust their schedules because of official state responsibilities.
He noted that the governors of Kwara and Ebonyi states were also absent from the initial screening session for similar reasons.
“Anytime they are free, they can call the committee and we will screen them at their convenience,” Yilwatda stated.
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