₦airaland Forum

Fubara walks out of APC screening, shuns journalists

The re-election bid of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appeared to suffer a setback on Sunday after he stormed out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening hall in Abuja.

While other incumbent governors were successfully screened on Saturday, Governor Fubara was conspicuously absent.

He eventually arrived at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge, venue of the exercise, at about 3pm on Sunday.

Fubara, with anger written across his face, refused to grant interviews to journalists who had waited hours for his arrival.

When accosted by reporters asking how the exercise went, a visibly distressed Fubara simply said, “No comment.”

Our correspondent reports that since the screening of aspirants commenced, committee members have traditionally escorted governors seeking re-election or senatorial tickets out of the venue as a mark of respect.

However, it was a different story for Fubara; the committee members did not escort him out.

They reportedly left the room six minutes after his departure.

Sunday’s screening session was presided over by the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori.

Recall that Fubara has been embroiled in a running battle with his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Allegations have surfaced that Wike has resolved to replace Fubara with the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

There are unconfirmed reports that one of Wike’s sons is being positioned to take over the seat of Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Hon. Chinda was reportedly the first aspirant to be screened on Saturday for the APC governorship ticket.

Speaking with journalists after the session, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, noted that the process was still ongoing. When asked specifically if Fubara had been successfully screened, he said:

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘screened.’ Anyone who appears before the committee does so as a necessary part of the process. Once the committee has seen everyone, they will sit down and produce a report. As of now, there is no report from the screening committee.”

On Saturday, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, explained Fubara’s initial absence, citing official government activities.

He cautioned against singling out the Rivers Governor, noting that the governors of Kwara and Ebonyi were also absent due to state exigencies.

“Why single one person out? Three governors have not appeared yet, and they all have their reasons. They are chief executives with urgent issues to attend to,” Yilwatda explained. He assured that the party remains flexible regarding the schedules of state executives, adding, “Anytime they are free, they can call the committee and we will screen them at their convenience,” the national chairman had said.

Female corps member dies after falling ill in Maiduguri orientation camp

A corps member identified simply as Lohina Bamaiyi Ajegena has died a few days after she arrived the orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Maiduguri, Borno State.

It was gathered that Lovina died on April 27, 2026 after falling ill a few days into the orientation programme.

Lovina's colleagues confirmed the sad incident on Facebook.

Narrating the events that led to her d3ath, a colleague, Augustine Pamela said she had met Lovina at a motorpark where they had gone to book a car for the camp and then went on to become friends.

However, six days into the orientation programme, Lovina fell sick and she had to nurse her.

In the process, Pamela said she also fell ill and they were both taken to the same hospital where Lovina passed away.

“I met this sweet soul in the garage where we both went to book a car for Maiduguri camp. We exchanged contacts and met up the next day to begin the journey,” she wrote.

"We reached, started registration together,got the same room and bunk space. We did everything together simply because we came together and everyone thought we were close friends, some even called us sisters.

"She later fell ill and I was the only one available to nurse her. In the process, I too fell ill and we were both taken to the same hospital but her's got worse. She shared even the same hospital room, this connection has to be fate.

"I had to help her to the bathroom, feed her, clean her body, and stay awake at nights to make sure she is alright.

"She would call out to me in pain and say thank you after every help I render to her. She would hold my hands firmly and refuse to let go, like she is trying her best to hold unto life itself.

"And I had to watch her cry in pain, helplessly, only hoping and praying to God to please give us a chance to be friends again.

"Many applauded my efforts, calling me a friend indeed but deep down I was confused on whether we were friends or not. We were just two strangers intertwined by fate.

"April 27. 7:03 looking at her beautiful body in front of me, I could only cry about the vanity of life. Mixed feelings on how to even react, because in just 6 days, Lovina means more than even a friend to me

“My beloved. I didn't get to tell you,but I have fallen in love with you. And I wished we got the chance to be friends forever. Maiduguri camp gave you to me and Maiduguri camp took you from me. Till we meet again, Lovina.”