The re-election prospects of Siminalayi Fubara appeared uncertain on Sunday, May 10, after the Rivers governor abruptly left the All Progressives Congress screening venue in Abuja during the party’s governorship screening exercise.
While several incumbent governors seeking second terms were screened on Saturday, May 9, Fubara was notably absent from the exercise, sparking speculation amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
The governor later arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where the screening was taking place, at about 3pm on Sunday. However, sources at the venue said Fubara spent only around 20 minutes inside the screening room before leaving abruptly, appearing visibly displeased.
Fubara declined to address reporters in detail as he exited the venue, responding only with, “No comment,” when asked about the outcome of the exercise.
Observers also noted that, unlike other governors who recently appeared before the screening panel, members of the committee did not accompany Fubara out of the venue, a gesture often viewed as a sign of respect for senior party figures.
Reports indicated that committee members remained inside the room and emerged several minutes after the governor had departed.
Sunday’s screening exercise was chaired by Ali Dalori. Fubara’s appearance comes amid his prolonged political feud with his former ally and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rivalry between both politicians has intensified speculation over Fubara’s political future within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election. There have also been reports suggesting that Wike may be supporting Kingsley Chinda as a possible replacement for Fubara in the race, although the claims remain unverified.
Chinda was reportedly among the first aspirants screened by the APC on Saturday. Speaking with journalists after the exercise, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the screening process was still ongoing and that no final decision had been reached.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘screened.’ Anyone who appears before the committee does so as part of the process,” Basiru said. “Once the committee has seen everyone, they will sit down and prepare a report. As of now, there is no report from the screening committee.”
Earlier, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda defended Fubara’s earlier absence, explaining that some governors had been delayed by official duties in their states.
“Why single one person out? Three governors have not appeared yet, and they all have their reasons,” Yilwatda said. “They are chief executives with urgent matters to attend to.”
He added that the party was flexible with governors’ schedules during the screening process. “Anytime they are available, they can contact the committee and we will screen them at their convenience,” he stated.
