The re-election ambition of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, suffered a dramatic twist on Sunday after he reportedly walked out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening exercise in Abuja.
While other incumbent governors seeking re-election were screened on Saturday, Fubara was noticeably absent from the exercise held at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The Rivers governor eventually arrived at the venue around 3pm on Sunday but spent only about 20 minutes inside the screening room before storming out with a visibly changed demeanor.
Observers at the venue said Fubara appeared angry and distressed as he exited the hall, refusing to speak with journalists who had waited for hours to interview him.
When approached by reporters on how the screening went, the governor simply replied, “No comment.”
Unlike previous sessions where committee members traditionally escorted governors and top aspirants out of the venue as a mark of respect, Fubara reportedly left alone, with committee members only exiting the room minutes later.
The screening session was chaired by APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori.
The development comes amid the lingering political crisis between Fubara and his estranged political ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Reports have continued to swirl within political circles that Wike may be backing the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, for the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.
There are also speculations that one of Wike’s sons may be positioned to replace Chinda in the House of Representatives if the plan succeeds.
Meanwhile, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the screening process was still ongoing and declined to confirm whether Fubara had successfully passed the exercise.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘screened.’ Anyone who appears before the committee does so as a necessary part of the process. 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.”
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, had defended Fubara’s absence on Saturday, explaining that some governors were unable to appear because of official state engagements.
“Why single one person out? Three governors have not appeared yet, and they all have their reasons. They are chief executives with urgent issues to attend to,” Yilwatda explained.
He added, “Anytime they are free, they can call the committee and we will screen them at their convenience.”
