Fubara Leaves APC Screening Abruptly Amid Uncertainty Over Governorship Ticket
By Reporter
The governor, who is seeking re-election amid an ongoing political battle with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was said to have spent only about 20 minutes before the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel before leaving the venue visibly displeased.
According to reports, Fubara’s experience differed sharply from that of other incumbent governors who participated in the exercise. While several aspirants were warmly received and ceremonially escorted out by members of the screening committee, Fubara reportedly exited alone without the usual formalities.
Journalists stationed at the venue attempted to speak with the governor after the exercise, but he declined to discuss what transpired during the session. Responding briefly to questions about the screening, Fubara simply said, “No comment.”
Observers noted that governors and high-profile aspirants who appeared before the panel had generally been accompanied out of the hall by committee members as a sign of respect. The absence of such treatment in Fubara’s case further fuelled speculation that the screening may not have gone in his favour.
Speaking after the exercise, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, avoided confirming whether the Rivers governor had successfully passed the screening process.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘screened.’ Anyone who appears before the committee does so as part of the process. After meeting all aspirants, the committee will prepare its report. For now, no report has been submitted,” Basiru stated.
The development comes amid the lingering political rift between Fubara and Wike, his predecessor and former political ally. Their conflict has continued to divide the political structure in Rivers State, including factions within the State House of Assembly.
Despite several reconciliation efforts reportedly backed by President Bola Tinubu, tensions between both camps have persisted.
Earlier reports indicated that Wike had criticised Fubara for allegedly focusing more on political ambition than governance ahead of the next election cycle. He also referenced President Tinubu’s intervention during the political crisis that once threatened impeachment proceedings against the governor.
According to Wike, Fubara had initially agreed to peace terms and suggested he was no longer interested in contesting for another term, but later changed position after the intervention.
