The absence of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the weekend’s PDP national convention in Oyo State has sparked fresh debate within the party, following claims that the governor is being politically restricted.

Speaking on Arise TV, PDP chieftain Umar Sani revealed that Fubara stayed away from the convention because he has been “caged” and politically constrained amid ongoing tensions within the party.

Fubara, alongside Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, was among the PDP governors noticeably missing from the event in Ibadan. Kefas has already announced plans to defect from the party.

In contrast, governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and host governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) were present.

Sources suggest Fubara’s absence is tied to his strained relationship with the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the PDP, which has deepened divisions in Rivers State’s political landscape.

Despite conflicting court rulings seeking to halt the convention, proceedings went ahead as scheduled.

Umar Sani asserted that Fubara’s political environment has been deliberately made “hostile,” preventing him from fully engaging in party activities.

“Fubara has been caged. All the landmines placed before him to discourage political participation are still there,” Sani said.

He further explained that although Fubara has not publicly renounced his membership, his political posture remains uncertain.

“He has not declared he’s leaving PDP, which is why his picture remained in the program lineup,” Sani added.

According to Sani, the party did not feel obligated to personally appeal to Fubara to attend, noting that all members were invited and free to attend at their discretion.