Drama unfolded in Abuja on Sunday as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara reportedly walked out of the All Progressives Congress screening exercise, raising fresh questions over his political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara had been noticeably absent on Saturday when other incumbent governors seeking re-election were screened, alongside Francis Nwifuru.
Addressing concerns over the governor’s absence, APC screening committee chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said governors with pressing official engagements were granted permission to be absent.
According to him, three governors were yet to appear before the committee, noting that as chief executives of their respective states, they could be excused when state responsibilities demand their attention.
Fubara, however, arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, venue of the screening exercise, at about 3pm on Sunday. Sources at the venue said the governor spent about 20 minutes inside the screening room before emerging with a visibly stern expression and walking out.
Journalists who had waited for hours to speak with him were left disappointed as the Rivers governor declined to comment on the outcome of the exercise, simply saying, “No comment.”
The development has sparked fresh uncertainty over Fubara’s re-election bid, with political observers closely watching his next move.
Fubara has, in recent months, remained at the centre of a prolonged political crisis involving his estranged political ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Amid the lingering rift, speculations have continued to trail alleged moves to replace Fubara with Kingsley Chinda in the state’s political calculations.
