The All Progressives Congress screening exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections recorded the absence of Siminalayi Fubara, even as the party screened over 14 governors seeking re-election and other elective offices.
Also screened was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sole challenger for the APC presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo.
The exercise, which began after the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms closed on 6 May 2026, is part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
APC primary timetable
The party’s screening of serving governors commenced on 8 May 2026 and is expected to conclude on 10 May 2026.
The APC adopted both consensus and direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2025.
According to the timetable, House of Representatives primaries will hold on 15 May, Senate primaries on 18 May, State Houses of Assembly on 20 May, governorship primaries on 21 May, and the presidential primary on 23 May.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 January 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on 6 February 2027.
Governors screened
The APC screening committee, chaired by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, screened several governors, including: Abba Yusuf; Inuwa Yahaya; Nasir Idris; Caleb Muftwang; Hyacinth Alia; Francis Nwifuru; Sheriff Oborevwori; Umar Bago; Dauda Lawal; Bassey Otu; Ahmed Aliyu
A senior APC official disclosed anonymously that more than 14 governors had already undergone screening.
Fubara’s absence raises questions
However, Mr Fubara’s absence from the exercise drew attention amid his ongoing political conflict with former Rivers governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reports indicated that Mr Fubara’s nomination forms were allegedly obtained through proxies despite opposition from Mr Wike’s camp.
By the end of the screening sessions on Friday and Saturday, the Rivers governor had yet to appear.
Responding to questions over the development, Mr Yilwatda defended the governor’s absence, saying some governors were excused due to official duties.
“Three governors have not come… all of them have their reasons for not appearing,” he said.
He added, “They are chief executives and field commanders. Anytime they are free within the stipulated time, the screening committee will provide a slot for them.”
Mr Fubara has remained at the centre of a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State involving his predecessor, Mr Wike, with tensions over party structures and political control continuing to shape the state’s political climate ahead of 2027.
Eno praises screening process
Speaking after his screening, Umo Eno described the process as smooth and transparent.
“Perfect, and I think it’s a normal procedure. I am satisfied,” Mr Eno said.
He praised the APC National Working Committee for fostering unity among governors and party leadership.
Mr Eno also defended President Tinubu’s administration, saying the country was making progress despite economic difficulties.
“You can truly say that there is progress. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he stated.
Tuggar questions consensus in Bauchi
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant Yusuf Tuggar said consensus was unlikely in the state’s APC governorship race due to the growing number of aspirants.
“Well, to be honest, it is unlikely there is going to be a consensus in Bauchi State,” Mr Tuggar said.
He warned against what he described as last-minute political manoeuvres aimed at creating a false impression of consensus.
Mr Tuggar also urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness and prevent fraudulent practices during the primaries.
President Tinubu’s rival speaks
Presidential aspirant Mr Osifo described the screening process as rigorous but fair.
He confirmed that panel members questioned his decision to challenge the incumbent president.
Mr Osifo, however, maintained that he remained committed to the race despite the party’s endorsement of President Tinubu.
Rivers political drama deepens
Sunday PUNCH gathered that Rivers political figures, including House of Representatives member Awaji-Inombek Abiante and former Commissioner for Education Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, purchased nomination forms for Mr Fubara.
However, uncertainty remains over whether the governor accepted or submitted the forms.
Mr Gogo-Jaja later claimed during an interview on Beat FM Port Harcourt that Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, also obtained APC governorship nomination forms despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I saw his name among those who bought the governorship form,” Mr Gogo-Jaja alleged.
The screening exercise highlights intensifying political manoeuvres within the APC as governors, lawmakers, and presidential aspirants position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mr Fubara’s absence, coupled with Rivers State’s lingering political tensions, is expected to fuel further speculation over alliances, defections, and internal party battles in the coming months.
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