By Clement John
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly left the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants’ screening exercise in Abuja on Sunday visibly displeased, following what sources described as an unfriendly reception by the screening panel.
The development has further heightened uncertainty surrounding the governor’s political future within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
Fubara was among the aspirants screened by the APC for the party’s governorship primary. Also screened was member of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.
The Rivers governor reportedly spent less than 20 minutes before the committee and exited the venue without speaking to journalists, fueling speculation over the outcome of the exercise.
The APC screening committee is expected to submit its report to the party leadership, after which aspirants would know their status and decide whether to approach the Screening Appeal Committee if dissatisfied.
Responding to questions from journalists, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, declined to give details on Fubara’s appearance before the panel.
Basiru stated that the committee had concluded interactions with all aspirants and would now prepare its report, stressing that no official outcome had been released.
The cautious response has added to the growing suspense over Fubara’s standing within the APC, as political observers continue to monitor developments ahead of the party’s governorship primaries.
Meanwhile, one of the APC governorship aspirants in Plateau State, retired Commander Yilchini Jan Bida, described the screening exercise as transparent and reflective of the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Bida expressed confidence in his chances at the primaries, saying he enjoys widespread grassroots support across Plateau State and remains optimistic about emerging victorious in the contest.
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