Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday appeared before the All Progressives Congress governorship screening panel in Abuja, as the party continued preparations for its 2027 governorship primaries.
Fubara, who is seeking the APC ticket for a second term, reportedly spent less than 20 minutes before the committee and left without speaking to journalists. His brief appearance triggered speculation that he was dissatisfied with the process, but sources close to the governor dismissed the claims, saying his exit was procedural and in line with the screening format.
According to the sources, the panel merely asked Fubara to “take a bow and go” after reviewing his documents and completing the required interaction. They said the session was not hostile and should not be interpreted as a poor reception.
The APC has so far screened two Rivers governorship aspirants: Fubara and House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. The screening committee is expected to submit its report to the party leadership, after which aspirants will know whether they have been cleared or need to approach the Screening Appeal Committee.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, declined to comment on individual aspirants, saying the party would wait for the committee’s formal report. “After appearing before the screening committee, the screening committee will issue its report,” he said. “As of now, there is no report of the screening committee.”
Fubara’s appearance comes amid heightened political realignment in Rivers State. He joined the APC in December 2025 after months of political tension in the state, and the party’s national leadership later affirmed him as its leader in Rivers.
Last week, APC stakeholders in Rivers purchased and donated expression of interest and nomination forms to Fubara, a move seen as early backing for his re-election bid.
However, the race remains politically sensitive, with reports suggesting that other aspirants, including Chinda and figures linked to rival political blocs, are also positioning themselves for the ticket.
Elsewhere, Plateau State governorship aspirant, retired Commander Yilchini Jan Bida, described the APC screening exercise as evidence of the party’s commitment to internal democracy. He said the process created a level playing field for aspirants and expressed confidence in his chances at the primary, citing what he described as strong grassroots support in Plateau State.
The screening report is now expected to determine the next stage of the APC’s governorship nomination process in Rivers and other states.
