The political tension in Rivers State took a fresh turn on Monday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is seeking re-election amid an ongoing power struggle with his predecessor and political rival, Nyesom Wike, reportedly spent only about 20 minutes before the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel before leaving the venue in silence and visible displeasure.
According to accounts from the screening exercise organised by the All Progressives Congress, Fubara’s experience was noticeably different from that of other incumbent governors who appeared before the committee. While several aspirants were said to have been warmly received and ceremonially escorted out by members of the panel, the Rivers governor was reportedly not accorded similar formalities and left the venue alone.
Journalists who attempted to engage him immediately after the exercise were met with a brief refusal to comment. When asked about the outcome of the screening, Fubara simply responded, “No comment,” before departing.
Observers noted that it had become customary for high-profile aspirants and governors to be accompanied out of the screening hall by committee members as a gesture of respect. The absence of such protocol in Fubara’s case has since fuelled speculation over the outcome of his appearance before the panel.
Speaking to reporters after the exercise, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru declined to confirm whether the Rivers governor had successfully passed the screening.
“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 said.
The development comes amid the lingering political feud between Fubara and Wike, who is also the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their strained relationship has continued to shape political alignments in Rivers State, affecting factions within the state House of Assembly and party structure.
Despite several reconciliation efforts reportedly supported by President Bola Tinubu, tensions between both camps have persisted.
Earlier reports indicated that Wike had accused Fubara of prioritising political ambition over governance and referenced past peace agreements brokered during the crisis that once threatened impeachment proceedings against the governor. According to Wike, Fubara had initially signalled disinterest in a second term before later reversing his position following intervention efforts.
As the APC screening committee prepares its final report, the political atmosphere in Rivers State remains uncertain, with both camps watching closely for the next move in the unfolding power struggle.
