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Rivers 2027: Gov Fubara storms out of APC screening, snubs journalists

Published

11 hours ago

August 20, 2026

james

The Governor of River State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday stormed out and snubbed journalists after appearing before the All Progressives Congress, APC, screening committee for governors chaired by the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Yilwatda..

Fubara did not attend the panel on Saturday, the final day designated for the screening of governors seeking the party’s nomination for a second term, as well as those second-term governors aiming for senatorial positions.

Nevertheless, Yilwatda clarified that Fubara’s absence was not out of the ordinary, indicating that governors engaged in official state duties were permitted to participate in the process on Sunday.

However, journalists who had been waiting outside the venue in hopes of interviewing him after the session were left disheartened, as Fubara swiftly exited the hall and rejected all requests for interviews.

The governor appeared noticeably frustrated as he quickly entered his official vehicle without addressing the reporters.

The screening process, which is part of the preparations for the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, was overseen by a committee led by Yilwatda.

Governors who were screened on Saturday included Abba Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang, Hyacinth Alia, Francis Nwifuru, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu, and Ahmed Aliyu, among others.

Also screened was Stanley Osifo, the only challenger to Bola Tinubu for the party’s presidential nomination.

The events of Sunday have intensified speculation regarding Fubara’s position within the APC, particularly in light of his ongoing political conflict with his predecessor and rival, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.

The struggle for control over Rivers State’s resources, politics, and governance between Wike and Fubara has consistently attracted the attention of the Presidency. While Wike has openly opposed Fubara’s aspirations for a second term, attempts by political stakeholders to mediate peace between the two factions have yet to yield a lasting solution.

Wike has consistently asserted that Fubara should not seek re-election as governor in 2027. While numerous political analysts believed that Fubara’s eventual switch to the APC might enhance his prospects of obtaining the party’s nomination, the former governor of Rivers has continued to oppose his re-election efforts.

“Once all candidates have presented themselves to the committee, the panel will proceed; however, there is currently no report from the screening committee,” he stated.

Wike, although still affiliated with the PDP, has not yet publicly supported any candidate.

Among those who have acquired APC governorship nomination forms are George-Kelly Alabo and Kingsley Chinda.