Rivers APC Crisis deepens as Fubara shuns screening, Chinda joins governorship Race

The political future of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has come under fresh scrutiny following his failure to appear at the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise in Abuja.

Fubara’s absence has heightened speculation over his 2027 governorship ambition amid the prolonged political rift between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is believed to oppose the governor’s re-election bid.

The development coincided with reports that several prominent political figures in Rivers State, including allies linked to Wike’s political camp, have obtained nomination forms to contest the APC governorship ticket.

Among them is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, who is reportedly seeking the APC ticket despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, disclosed that Chinda’s name appeared on the list of aspirants who purchased governorship forms.

Speaking during a radio programme in Port Harcourt, Gogo-Jaja claimed he personally saw the records during the submission process.

“As we speak, O.K. Chinda is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, yet he bought a governorship nomination form in the APC,” he said.

Another political figure said to have entered the race is former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Das George-Kelly.

Despite reports that APC stakeholders purchased nomination forms on behalf of Fubara, uncertainty remains over whether the governor approved or intends to pursue the ticket.

Sources within the party disclosed that some Rivers political leaders, including House of Representatives member, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, were involved in facilitating the procurement of forms for the governor.

The APC screening exercise, which began for governors and aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, has continued amid rising political calculations within the party.

Reacting to concerns over Fubara’s absence, APC National Chairman and chairman of the screening committee, Nentawe Yilwatda, said governors absent from the exercise were excused due to official engagements.

“Three governors have not come. All of them have their reasons for not appearing, and we know they are chief executives of their states with state responsibilities,” he stated.

He added that the committee would make provisions for any governor unable to attend within the initial timeframe.

Meanwhile, the screening process also featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s lone challenger for the APC presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo.

Osifo described the exercise as transparent and rigorous, insisting he remained in the race despite endorsements already secured by the president within the party.

The APC had commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms on April 28, with the process closing on May 6.

According to the party timetable, governorship primaries are scheduled for May 21, while the presidential primary will hold on May 23 ahead of the 2027 general elections.