The re-election bid of Siminalayi Fubara appeared to face uncertainty 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 another term were screened on Saturday, May 9, Fubara was initially absent from the exercise, drawing attention amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
The governor eventually arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where the screening was being conducted, at about 3pm on Sunday, May 10. However, witnesses said Fubara left the screening room after spending only about 20 minutes inside, appearing visibly upset as he exited the venue.
The governor declined to speak extensively with journalists waiting outside the hall and responded briefly when questioned about the outcome of the exercise. “No comment,” Fubara said as he walked away from reporters.
Observers also noted that unlike other governors who had recently undergone screening, members of the committee did not escort Fubara out of the venue, a gesture that has typically been regarded as a mark of respect for senior party figures.
Reports indicated that committee members remained inside the room and only emerged several minutes after the governor’s departure.
Sunday’s screening exercise was chaired by Ali Dalori. Fubara’s appearance comes against the backdrop of his prolonged political dispute with his former ally and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The rivalry between both politicians has fuelled speculation over the governor’s future within the party ahead of the 2027 elections. There have also been reports suggesting that Wike is backing Kingsley Chinda as a possible replacement for Fubara in the governorship race, although the claims remain unconfirmed.
Chinda was reportedly among the first aspirants screened by the APC on Saturday, May 9. Addressing journalists after the exercise, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the screening process was still ongoing and no final conclusions had been reached.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘screened.’ Anyone who appears before the committee does so as a necessary part of the process,” Basiru said. “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 Nentawe Yilwatda had defended Fubara’s earlier absence, saying some governors were delayed by official state duties. “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 issues to attend to.”
He added that the party remained flexible with the schedules of governors undergoing screening. “Anytime they are free, they can call the committee and we will screen them at their convenience,” he said.