Political tension surrounding the future of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, deepened on Sunday after he abruptly walked out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise in Abuja.
The governor declined to disclose whether he was cleared or failed the screening process, leaving uncertainty over his standing within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
While other serving governors reportedly completed their screening exercises on Saturday, Fubara was notably absent. He eventually arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge, the venue of the screening, at about 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, the Rivers governor entered the screening room briefly before storming out barely five minutes later and heading straight to his waiting vehicle parked near the entrance.
Observers at the venue described the governor as visibly angry and agitated as he left the premises.
When approached by journalists for comments, Fubara simply responded, “No comment,” before departing the venue.
Sources familiar with the development suggested that the screening session did not go smoothly for the governor, although details of what transpired behind closed doors were not immediately made public.
Reacting to questions from reporters, APC National Secretary and Secretary of the Screening Committee, Ajibola Basiru, avoided giving a direct response on the governor’s status.
It appears that everybody must appear before the screening committee, of course, it is necessary as part of the process,” Basiru stated.
He maintained that no final decision had yet been reached regarding any aspirant.
After the exercise, the screening committee will issue its report. As at now, the screening committee, when it has completed seeing everybody it is supposed to see, will sit down and come up with reports on the screening,” he added.
When pressed further on whether Fubara had successfully completed the process, Basiru responded cautiously.
I don’t know what you mean by screening. Anybody that appears before the screening committee, of course, is necessary as part of the process,” he said.
He reiterated that the committee had not yet submitted its final report.
As of now, there’s no report of the screening committee,” Basiru added.
The incident has further fueled speculation over Fubara’s relationship with the APC leadership and the growing political rivalry involving loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The party is yet to officially clarify the outcome of the governor’s appearance before the screening committee.
