Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday maintained silence over mounting political tension surrounding his second-term ambition after appearing before the All Progressives Congress governorship screening committee in Abuja.
The Rivers State governor, who appeared at the screening venue at the Plateau State Governors’ Lodge, declined to address journalists after completing the exercise.
When pressed by reporters on the outcome of the screening and the political controversies surrounding his re-election bid, Fubara simply responded, “No comment,” before leaving the venue.
The screening exercise was conducted by the APC Governorship Screening Committee chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Fubara’s refusal to speak comes amid renewed political uncertainty in Rivers State over reports that allies of Nyesom Wike are allegedly backing an alternative governorship aspirant, Dax George-Kelly, to challenge the governor’s quest for a second term ticket.
The development marks another chapter in the prolonged political standoff between Fubara and Wike.
Both political figures were once close allies, with Wike widely regarded as a major force behind Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023.
However, their relationship deteriorated just months after Fubara assumed office, triggering one of the most closely watched political confrontations in Nigeria.
The crisis has continued to shape political alignments in Rivers State, splitting supporters into rival camps and fuelling intense speculation over the future control of the state’s political structure.
Observers believe Fubara’s decision to remain silent may have been calculated to avoid escalating tensions within the APC as preparations intensify for the governorship primaries.
Political analysts also suggest that his restrained posture could signal ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at managing internal party divisions.
With Rivers State expected to remain one of the most fiercely contested political battlegrounds ahead of 2027, the governor’s next political moves are likely to attract significant national attention.
His appearance before the screening committee, however, confirms that he remains firmly in the race for another term despite the mounting political pressure.
What You Should Know
Fubara’s silence is politically significant because it reflects the delicate balance of power currently shaping Rivers State politics.
His strained relationship with Nyesom Wike has created deep divisions that could influence APC primaries and the broader 2027 election landscape. By avoiding public comments, Fubara may be trying to reduce public confrontation while strategic negotiations continue behind closed doors.
Rivers remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, meaning developments around Fubara’s re-election bid could have ripple effects beyond the state.
