Political Tension Builds As Fubara’s Absence Sparks Speculation In Rivers Race

According to reports, 14 governors seeking re-election or other elective positions were screened as part of the ongoing process. Also screened was President Bola Tinubu’s sole challenger, Stanley Osifo.

The screening of serving governors began on May 8 and is expected to end on May 10, with the party adopting both consensus and direct primary methods in line with the Electoral Act 2025.

The APC has scheduled its primary elections in phases: House of Representatives on May 15, Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23. Appeal committees will sit after each stage to resolve disputes arising from the process.

Governors screened during the exercise included Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, and Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State. Others were Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umar Bago (Niger), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto).

Additional governors such as Yobe’s Mai Mala Buni and Imo’s Hope Uzodinma were also screened for senatorial aspirations.

However, Fubara’s absence stood out during the exercise. The Rivers governor, who has been locked in a political struggle with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was said to have obtained APC nomination forms through a proxy, despite reported opposition from Wike.

By the end of the screening exercise, he still had not appeared before the committee.

Responding to concerns over his absence, the APC screening committee chairman and party leader, Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that governors with official state duties were excused from appearing physically.

He stated that governors are chief executives of their states and may be granted flexibility due to official engagements, adding that they can still complete screening within the designated timeframe.