Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly faced fresh political uncertainty on Sunday after abruptly leaving the All Progressives Congress governorship screening venue in Abuja.
Unlike several other incumbent governors who completed their screening exercises on Saturday, Fubara was notably absent during the initial session. He later arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge, where the screening was being conducted, around 3pm on Sunday.
However, the governor’s appearance lasted barely 20 minutes before he suddenly exited the screening room looking visibly upset. Observers at the venue noted a dramatic change in his mood as he walked out without addressing party members or supporters present.
Journalists who had waited for hours to speak with him were unable to get details about what transpired during the exercise. When approached by reporters, Fubara briefly responded, “No comment,” before leaving the premises.
The screening exercise was supervised by the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori.
Fubara’s political troubles have continued to generate national attention following his prolonged rift with his former ally and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
There have been growing claims within political circles that Wike is backing the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, as a possible replacement for Fubara ahead of the next governorship election.
Additional unverified reports also suggest that one of Wike’s sons may be preparing to contest for Chinda’s current seat representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Chinda was reportedly among the first aspirants screened on Saturday for the APC governorship ticket.
Speaking after the screening exercise, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, explained that the 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. 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.”
