Rivers 2027: Fubara, Wike Allies Face APC Screening Amid Political Tension

The race for Rivers State Government House has taken a new turn as the All Progressives Congress screened Governor Siminalayi Fubara and allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 election.

The screening has deepened questions over who controls the APC structure in Rivers State. It also signals a fresh phase in the long-running political battle between Fubara and Wike.

Fubara, Wike Allies Face APC Screening

The APC screening committee assessed key Rivers governorship aspirants in Abuja.

Those screened included former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly. Both men are seen as allies of Wike.

The exercise took place at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The APC Deputy National Chairman, Benjamin Nwoye, chaired the screening panel.

Fubara’s Brief Appearance Raises Questions

Fubara appeared before the committee on Sunday after missing earlier sessions on Friday and Saturday.

The governor reportedly spent only a few minutes with the committee before leaving the venue. When journalists approached him after the session, he declined to comment.

Party sources claimed the committee gave Fubara a cold reception. They also said his session appeared shorter than those of other governors who attended the screening.

However, an aide to the governor rejected that claim. The aide said the committee cleared Fubara quickly because he had little to answer as a sitting governor.

Wike’s Influence Looms Over APC Ticket

The screening has brought Wike’s influence in Rivers politics back into focus.

Wike and Fubara have battled for control of political structures in the state for close to three years. Their disagreement has shaped Rivers politics and created deep divisions among their supporters.

According to the report, Fubara obtained the APC governorship forms through a proxy. That move reportedly went against Wike’s preference.

Wike has openly criticised Fubara in the past and has vowed that the governor will not return for a second term. The FCT minister also leads a political network in Rivers which he calls the “Rainbow Coalition.”

APC Primary Timeline

The APC began selling Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on April 28. The process ended at midnight on May 6.

The party held screening for serving governors and other aspirants between May 8 and May 10. It fixed May 11 for the release of screening reports. Screening appeals will hold on May 12 and May 13.

The governorship primary is scheduled for May 21. The APC had earlier adopted consensus arrangement and direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2025.

INEC Election Schedule Adds Pressure

INEC has fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.

Governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027. The commission also said parties must conduct primaries and resolve disputes between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

This tight calendar gives parties limited time to manage internal disputes before the campaign season begins.

Expert View: Why the Screening Matters

The Rivers APC screening is more than a party procedure. It is a test of political control.

Fubara wants a path to re-election. Wike wants to prove that he still controls the machinery that decides who rises in Rivers politics.

The APC also faces a delicate choice. If it leans too heavily toward Wike’s camp, Fubara’s supporters may feel shut out. If it gives Fubara room, it could weaken Wike’s grip on the party structure.

The bigger issue is stability. Rivers is one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states. Political uncertainty there can affect governance, public projects and investor confidence.

For now, the screening has not settled the contest. It has only made the power struggle clearer.

What This Means for Rivers Politics

The APC governorship ticket may become the next major battleground between Fubara and Wike.

If Wike’s allies dominate the process, the party may produce a candidate loyal to the FCT minister. If Fubara survives the internal contest, he will show that he still has enough political strength to fight back.

Either way, Rivers voters may face another heated election cycle. The state’s politics now depends on three questions: who controls the party structure, who gets the APC ticket, and whether Fubara can build enough support outside Wike’s influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the APC screening?

The APC screened Rivers governorship aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Which Wike allies were screened?

The report named Kingsley Chinda and Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as Wike allies who appeared before the screening committee.

Why is Fubara’s screening controversial?

Party sources claimed Fubara received a cold reception and spent only a short time with the committee. His aide said the governor was quickly cleared because he had little to answer.