The re-election ambition of Siminalayi Fubara appeared to face fresh uncertainty on Sunday after the Rivers State governor abruptly left the All Progressives Congress governorship screening venue in Abuja.
Fubara’s absence during the initial screening exercise on Saturday had already sparked speculation amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
The governor eventually arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where the screening was being conducted, at about 3 p.m. on Sunday. However, eyewitnesses said he spent only about 20 minutes inside the screening room before leaving the venue looking visibly upset.
Fubara declined to give details when approached by journalists outside the venue, responding briefly: “No comment.”
Observers also noted that unlike other governors who recently underwent screening, members of the committee did not escort Fubara out after the exercise — a gesture often seen as a sign of respect for senior party members.
According to reports, committee members remained inside the hall and only emerged several minutes after the governor’s departure.
The screening exercise was chaired by Ali Dalori.
Fubara’s appearance comes amid his prolonged political rift with his former ally and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The feud between both politicians has continued to fuel speculation over the governor’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
There have also been reports suggesting that Wike may be backing Kingsley Chinda as a possible replacement for Fubara in the governorship race, although the claims have not been officially confirmed.
Chinda was reportedly among the first aspirants screened by the APC on Saturday.
Speaking 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 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 defended Fubara’s earlier absence, explaining that some governors had been delayed by official duties in their respective 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 issues to attend to.”
He added that the party remained flexible with the screening schedule for governors.
“Anytime they are free, they can call the committee and we will screen them at their convenience,” he said.