Rivers State Fresh tension has emerged within the All Progressives Congress in as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election. Strong indications suggest that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may play a major role in determining who eventually secures the party’s governorship ticket.
The development followed a high-profile screening exercise organised by the APC for aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls. Among those screened were former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, both widely regarded as loyal associates of Wike.
Party insiders revealed that the screening process took a dramatic turn when Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly encountered an unfriendly atmosphere during his appearance before the committee. The exercise was supervised by a panel linked to APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Witnesses at the venue, the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, disclosed that Fubara appeared displeased after his brief interaction with the committee and quickly exited the premises without addressing journalists. Observers noted that his screening lasted only a few minutes, unlike several other governors who spent longer periods before the panel.
Although APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who stood in for the absent national chairman, maintained that the screening exercise was ongoing and that reports would be released later, sources within the party claimed the atmosphere surrounding Fubara’s appearance reflected deep political divisions within the Rivers APC structure.
According to insiders, Chinda and Kelly enjoyed smooth screening sessions because of their strong connection to Wike, who currently wields enormous influence in Rivers politics despite remaining a major figure within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. Both politicians recently defected to the APC after allegedly receiving backing from the FCT minister.
Fubara and Wike have remained locked in a prolonged political battle over control of Rivers State political machinery. The disagreement, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office, has divided loyalists across party lines and reshaped alliances within the state.
Sources within the APC claimed that the party leadership and the Presidency currently favour Wike’s political bloc, giving him significant authority over the APC structure in Rivers State. This, they argued, could influence the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate for 2027.
Despite reports of tension, aides close to Fubara dismissed claims that he was sidelined during the exercise. One aide explained that the governor’s session was short because he was immediately cleared by the committee as an incumbent governor.
Meanwhile, the APC continues preparations for its primaries, which are expected to hold in phases before the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission has already fixed dates for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections, while political parties are expected to conclude their primaries and settle disputes before the official campaign season begins.
