Fresh political drama don emerge inside the All Progressives Congress as tension reportedly surrounded the screening of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and allies loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 Rivers governorship election.
The development comes as indications show say the ruling APC may allow Wike play a major role in deciding who becomes the party governorship candidate for Rivers State in 2027.
The closely monitored screening exercise took place in Abuja, where key political allies of Wike, including former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, appeared before the APC screening committee.
The committee was chaired by APC Deputy National Chairman, Benjamin Nwoye.
However, credible party insiders disclosed say tension briefly disrupted the process after Governor Fubara allegedly received what sources described as a “cold shoulder” from the screening panel linked to APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
One correspondent present at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, observed say Fubara left the venue shortly after entering the screening session.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Rivers governor arrived around 3:15pm on Sunday but spent less than 10 minutes before storming out of the venue looking visibly unhappy.
When journalists attempted to speak with am after the exercise, Fubara simply responded, “No comment.”
Meanwhile, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who reportedly presided over the committee in the absence of Yilwatda, said reports from the screening exercise would soon be released.
The APC had earlier commenced the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on April 28, while the exercise officially closed on May 6.
The party also fixed May 11 for the release of screening reports, while appeals arising from the screening process are expected to hold between May 12 and May 13.
According to the party timetable, governorship primaries will take place on May 21, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 23.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
INEC also directed political parties to conclude all primaries and internal disputes before May 30, 2026.
Since the screening exercise started, several governors seeking re-election or other political offices have appeared before the APC committee.
Among those screened are Abba Kabir Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.
Others include Francis Nwifuru, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.
Political observers say the Rivers situation remains one of the most sensitive within the APC because of the prolonged political battle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
For nearly three years, both politicians have remained locked in a struggle over control of political structures in Rivers State.
Sources within the party claimed say Fubara obtained APC governorship nomination forms through a proxy arrangement despite opposition from Wike.
The FCT minister had repeatedly accused Fubara of betrayal and vowed publicly that the governor would not secure a second term.
Wike, although still influential within the Peoples Democratic Party, reportedly maintains strong influence across both PDP and APC structures in Rivers State through what he once described as a “Rainbow Coalition.”
Party insiders also disclosed say Wike’s political camp remains determined to produce the next governor of Rivers State.
One source familiar with the screening exercise explained say the sessions involving Kingsley Chinda and Kelly went smoothly because both men are considered loyal allies of Wike.
According to the source, both politicians recently defected from the PDP to the APC following directives from the FCT minister.
The source further alleged say Fubara’s screening session appeared unusually short compared to those of other governors.
He added say body language from members of the committee suggested that many party leaders were not aligned with the Rivers governor due to his strained relationship with Wike, who currently enjoys strong backing from President Bola Tinubu and sections of the APC leadership.
