Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its screening exercise for the 2027 general elections, assessing 14 sitting governors and several high-profile aspirants. However, the process was marked by the high-profile absence of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose political future remains the subject of intense speculation.

The screening, chaired by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, is a precursor to the party’s primaries scheduled to begin on May 15. While the exercise saw the participation of President Bola Tinubu’s sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, and several governors seeking re-election or senatorial seats, Governor Fubara did not appear before the committee by the Saturday deadline.

Leadership Addresses Absenteeism

Chairman Yilwatda downplayed concerns regarding Fubara’s absence, noting that two other governors were also unable to attend due to official state duties.

"Any governor who has state issues to attend to... we excuse them. They are chief executives and field commanders. The screening committee will remain available to provide a slot for them within the stipulated time," Yilwatda stated.

Fubara’s absence comes amid a protracted political rift with his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Reports indicate that while proxy groups purchased nomination forms for Fubara, it remains unclear if the governor has formally accepted the documents.

Key Highlights of the Screening Exercise

The committee processed a diverse group of incumbents and aspirants across various states:

• Governors Screened for Re-election: Included Abba Yusuf (Kano), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umar Bago (Niger), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto).

• Senatorial Aspirants: Governors Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo) were among those screened for Senate seats.

• Presidential Challenge: Stanley Osifo described the process as "rigorous but fair," confirming he remains in the race despite the party leadership's endorsement of President Tinubu.

Tensions in State Chapters

The screening also highlighted internal friction within state delegations. In Bauchi State, former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar expressed skepticism regarding a consensus candidate, citing a "deluge" of last-minute aspirants. He urged the party to vet candidates strictly to prevent "fraudulent practices" and ensure the selection of genuine grassroots mobilizers.

In Rivers State, controversy surfaced regarding the candidacy of Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Former Commissioner Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja alleged that Chinda—traditionally a PDP member—had purchased an APC nomination form, an assertion that underscores the fluid and often contentious nature of the state's political alignment.

The Road to 2027: Key Dates

As the APC prepares for its internal polls, the broader electoral roadmap set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains the focus:

The APC has adopted a mix of consensus and direct primaries for the upcoming cycle, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2025. Following the conclusion of the primaries in May 2026, appeal committees will be convened to resolve any disputes arising from the selection process.