Fresh political developments within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, have stirred conversations across the country after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was noticeably absent during the ongoing screening exercise for aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development came as the APC screened over 14 governors and other major contenders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s only reported challenger for the party’s presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo.
The APC had commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the process closing on May 6. Screening activities for serving governors began on May 8 and are expected to conclude today, while preparations intensify for what many analysts already describe as one of the most competitive election cycles in recent Nigerian political history.
According to reports, governors from several states have already appeared before the party’s screening panel. Among those screened were Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru among others. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Despite the heavy presence of governors and aspirants at the exercise, Fubara’s absence quickly became the major talking point, especially considering the ongoing political tension between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Reports indicated that the Rivers governor allegedly secured APC nomination forms through a proxy arrangement despite resistance from political forces believed to be loyal to Wike.
Responding to concerns over the governor’s absence, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed speculations of internal crisis, explaining that some governors were excused due to official engagements in their states. He maintained that the party remained flexible with the screening timetable for sitting governors who may be occupied with state responsibilities.
The screening exercise has also drawn attention because of the emergence of Stanley Osifo as the sole challenger to President Tinubu within the APC presidential race. Osifo reportedly described the screening process as thorough and fair after appearing before the committee, adding that he was prepared to fully test his political strength within the party ahead of the presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has already fixed January 16, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to conclude their primaries and resolve disputes before the end of May 2026 as preparations gather momentum nationwide.
Beyond the APC, the opposition political landscape is also beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports indicate that the Nigeria Democratic Congress has zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, a move many observers believe could strengthen the chances of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi if he eventually joins the coalition.
With party primaries fast approaching, the absence of Governor Fubara from such a critical APC exercise has only deepened speculation over the political future of Rivers State and the growing battle for influence within the ruling party. Political observers believe the coming weeks could determine not only the direction of the APC but also the shape of Nigeria’s broader political alliances ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 elections.
