ABUJA, Nigeria – The re-election bid of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara faced a dramatic hurdle on Sunday after he abruptly stormed out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening venue in Abuja.
Okay News reports that the governor, who was noticeably absent during the initial screening of incumbent governors on Saturday, arrived at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge at approximately 3:00 PM on Sunday. However, his session lasted only 20 minutes before he exited the hall with a visibly distressed demeanor, refusing to grant interviews to waiting journalists with a curt “no comment.”
Tensions were high as observers noted a break in protocol; unlike other governors who were escorted out by committee members as a mark of respect, Fubara departed alone. The committee members, led by APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori, reportedly remained in the room for several minutes after the governor’s exit.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of an intense political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Speculation has intensified that Wike is backing the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, to replace Fubara. Notably, Chinda was reported to be the first aspirant screened for the Rivers APC ticket on Saturday.
While APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda had previously downplayed Fubara’s Saturday absence as a result of state exigencies, the Governor’s exit on Sunday has fueled rumors regarding his standing within the party. APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru declined to confirm if Fubara was “successfully” screened, stating only that a formal report from the committee is still pending.
