They Did Not Ask Fubara Much As Incumbent, He Was Cleared And Asked To Take A Bow And Go -Aide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be consolidating its political presence in Rivers State in preparation for the 2027 gubernatorial election, amid growing speculation that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could play a decisive role in selecting the party’s candidate.

As reported by The Punch, Kingsley Chinda, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, Rivers State Commissioner for Works—both seen as aligned with Wike—underwent party screening without difficulty. The process was overseen by a committee headed by APC Deputy National Chairman Benjamin Nwoye.

In contrast, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly faced a notably shorter and cooler screening session, according to party sources. This difference is believed to stem from his deteriorating relationship with Wike, who is widely thought to have the backing of President Bola Tinubu and key APC leaders.

Insiders suggest that Wike now wields substantial influence over the APC’s machinery in Rivers State, boosting the prospects of any gubernatorial aspirant he supports winning the party’s nomination.

Efforts by the reporter to reach APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka and his deputy, Duro Meseko, for comment were unsuccessful, as neither responded to calls prior to publication.

Meanwhile, an aide to Governor Fubara told The Punch that the brevity of the screening was due to the committee swiftly clearing him. The aide, speaking anonymously due to lack of official authorization, said, “The governor has been cleared.

“Given his position as the sitting governor, there wasn’t much they needed to ask. He was cleared right away and simply asked to acknowledge the committee and leave.”

When questioned about the governor’s apparent displeasure and decision not to address the media afterward, the aide replied, “People have the right to engage or not engage the press—that’s perfectly acceptable. What matters is that the governor has been approved by the committee.”……..See More