Rivers 2027: Why Fubara Missed APC Screening — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has clarified that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s absence from the party’s recent governorship screening exercise ahead of the 2027 elections should not be misunderstood as political withdrawal or internal disagreement. He explained that Fubara remains a recognised member of the APC following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in late 2025.

Yilwatda noted that the governor’s position within the party structure in Rivers State is still intact, adding that as a sitting governor, Fubara is naturally regarded as a key leader in the state chapter of the APC. However, he stressed that this recognition does not exempt him from the party’s constitutional requirements, including screening and participation in primaries for the governorship ticket.

The APC chairman further explained that Fubara’s absence from the screening was linked to ongoing consultations and internal party arrangements in Rivers State. According to him, the party allows room for internal processes and coordination among stakeholders, which informed the governor’s decision not to physically appear for the exercise at the time.

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Yilwatda also made it clear that no aspirant, including sitting governors, is guaranteed automatic tickets in the APC. He said the party’s established tradition requires all contenders to go through due process, citing previous primaries in other states as evidence of the APC’s commitment to competitive internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

The political environment in Rivers State remains tense due to the long-standing rivalry between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Although Wike is still a member of the PDP, both political camps continue to influence grassroots structures and party alignments in the state.

Fubara officially joined the APC in December 2025 at a ceremony held in Port Harcourt, where he received his membership card in the presence of senior party leaders. He said the move was aimed at aligning Rivers State with the federal government to promote stability and development.

Despite efforts to project unity, disagreements within the Rivers APC have persisted, particularly over leadership structure and control of party machinery. Wike has repeatedly dismissed claims that Fubara automatically became the APC leader in Rivers State, insisting that leadership is determined by established party structures and grassroots support.

Meanwhile, APC stakeholders in Rivers State are continuing consultations aimed at stabilising the party ahead of the governorship primary and preventing internal divisions before the 2027 elections. Political observers believe the state’s governorship race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive contests in the next general election due to the ongoing rivalry between opposing political blocs.

 

Rivers 2027: Why Fubara Missed APC Screening — Yilwatda