There was drama on Sunday as Sim Fubara appeared before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party’s governorship ticket process. Unlike other APC governors who were screened on Saturday, Fubara’s appearance was delayed until Sunday, making him the only governor treated differently.
The Rivers governor also spent only a short time before the panel at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, fueling speculation over possible disagreements within the party. Some party sources claimed he was simply asked to “bow and go,” while others linked the situation to his political rift with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Reports also indicated that Wike’s preferred governorship aspirant, Kingsley Chinda, was screened on Saturday despite not being a serving governor. Meanwhile, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who is considered an ally of Wike, was part of the screening committee.
Unlike Saturday’s exercise supervised by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the Sunday screening was presided over by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori. Fubara declined to speak with journalists after leaving the venue.
Speaking after the exercise, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, confirmed that Fubara appeared before the panel like other governors seeking fresh tickets. He, however, stated that the committee had not yet concluded its work and would later release an official report on all aspirants screened.
