The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening exercise for the 2027 elections in Rivers State witnessed dramatic scenes on Sunday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly received a cold reception from the screening committee, while key allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were screened without hitches.
According to credible party sources, Governor Fubara arrived at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, around 3:15 pm but spent only about seven minutes before storming out visibly displeased. He declined to comment to journalists, simply saying “No comment” as he departed the venue.
In contrast, former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly both considered loyalists of Minister Nyesom Wike underwent a smooth screening process. The two recently defected to the APC on the directive of Wike and obtained the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
The development reinforces growing indications that the APC national leadership has ceded significant influence over the party’s structure in Rivers State to Minister Wike, who is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who chaired the committee in the absence of National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, confirmed that the full screening report would be released shortly.
He emphasized that every aspirant must go through the process as required by the party. Governor Fubara’s media team, however, maintained that the governor was cleared promptly as an incumbent and described the exercise as straightforward.
The screening forms part of the APC’s preparations ahead of its primaries, with the governorship primary scheduled for May 21, 2026. The Rivers political space remains tense due to the long-running rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Wike.
This latest episode highlights the complex realignments and power plays shaping the political landscape in oil-rich Rivers State as parties gear up for the 2027 general elections.