Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was absent from the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise for governorship aspirants, even as the party screened 14 sitting governors in preparation for the 2027 general elections, a development drawing attention to his status within the party’s emerging political alignment ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The APC has intensified internal preparations for the 2027 general elections, including screening of governorship aspirants across states. The process forms part of the party’s broader timetable for primaries, candidate selection, and internal restructuring ahead of the national polls.
In recent months, the party has witnessed significant political realignments involving governors and key political figures, with several opposition leaders joining or aligning with the ruling APC in anticipation of the 2027 elections. These developments have reshaped internal dynamics within the party at both national and state levels.
Rivers State, in particular, has remained a politically sensitive state due to ongoing tensions between key stakeholders and shifting alliances.
According to party proceedings, the APC screened 14 governors as part of its ongoing preparation for the 2027 electoral cycle. The exercise is part of mandatory internal party procedures required for aspirants seeking to contest under the APC platform. However, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was not among those screened, raising questions about his current standing within the party’s formal candidate evaluation process.
Fubara had previously been linked to broader political realignments within the APC structure following his reported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party earlier in the political cycle. His absence from the screening exercise contrasts with other governors who participated in the process as part of early clearance for party primaries.
The APC screening exercise is part of a wider strategy by the party to streamline candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, where President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek re-election. The party has also been involved in internal conflict resolution efforts and mobilisation strategies aimed at strengthening cohesion among members.
Political observers note that the inclusion of governors in screening processes reflects the party’s attempt to consolidate incumbents while preparing for competitive primaries in various states.
The absence of Fubara from the screening process may signal unresolved political or administrative issues within the APC’s internal structure, particularly regarding candidate alignment ahead of 2027.
It also highlights the ongoing complexity of political transitions involving sitting governors who have recently shifted party affiliations or are still navigating internal acceptance within new party structures. For the APC, the screening of multiple governors indicates a structured approach to candidate selection, though variations in participation may reflect differing levels of integration within the party hierarchy.
