RismadarVoice Reporters, May 10, 2026
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has explained why Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, did not appear before the party’s governorship screening committee amid growing public attention over his absence.
The APC had constituted a screening committee chaired by Yilwatda for incumbent governors seeking re-election and aspirants contesting senatorial seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to details released on the party’s official X handle, the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, served as secretary of the committee, alongside members drawn from the party’s National Working Committee.
Governors screened during the exercise included Abba Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang, Hyacinth Alia, Francis Nwifuru and Sheriff Oborevwori.
Others screened were Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu, Ahmed Aliyu and Umo Eno.
However, Fubara was absent at the end of the screening exercise held on Friday and Saturday, prompting questions over his participation in the process.
Responding to journalists, Yilwatda dismissed suggestions that the Rivers governor was being singled out, explaining that governors with official state engagements were excused from appearing before the committee.
“Three governors have not come, so that is the issue. You should not single one person out when three governors have not appeared,” he said.
“All of them have their reasons for not appearing, and we know they are the chief executives of their states with state responsibilities.
“So, any governor who has state issues to attend to, whether the governor of Kwara State, Ebonyi State, or Rivers State, we excuse them. They are chief executives and field commanders. Anytime they are free, within the stipulated time, the screening committee will be available, and we will provide a slot for them.”
Reports had earlier indicated that Fubara, who has been involved in a prolonged political rift with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, allegedly obtained the APC expression of interest and nomination forms through associates despite opposition from the former governor’s camp.
A delegation reportedly led by House of Representatives member, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said elders and political stakeholders across Rivers State supported the move in what they described as the overriding interest of the state.
Speaking after his own screening, Governor Eno described the exercise as smooth and satisfactory, saying it reflected growing synergy between APC governors and the party leadership.
“I think it’s a normal procedure. I am satisfied,” he said.
The Akwa Ibom governor also expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that there were signs of economic improvement despite prevailing challenges.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant, Yusuf Tuggar, said consensus among APC governorship aspirants in Bauchi State appeared unlikely due to the increasing number of contestants.
Tuggar urged the APC leadership to carefully distinguish genuinely committed aspirants from those seeking to manipulate the primary process.
The development comes months after Wike publicly declared that there would be “no second chance” for Fubara, accusing the Rivers governor of failing to maintain effective relationships with key political stakeholders in the state.
