Fubara Absent as APC Screens Governors, Tinubu’s Challenger Ahead of 2027 Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections with the screening of more than 14 governors and several aspirants seeking elective offices, although the absence of Siminalayi Fubara drew attention during the exercise.

The screening process, which began for serving governors on May 8, is expected to conclude on May 10 as the ruling party moves closer to its scheduled primaries.

Also screened was President Bola Tinubu’s sole challenger for the party’s presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo.

The APC had commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the process officially closing on May 6.

Party officials said the APC would adopt both consensus and direct primaries in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2025.

According to the timetable released by the party, House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 15, Senate primaries on May 18, State Houses of Assembly primaries on May 20, governorship primaries on May 21, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 23.

Appeal committees are expected to sit after each exercise to resolve disputes arising from the primaries.

The screening committee for serving governors is chaired by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, while the party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, serves as secretary of the panel.

Among the governors screened were Abba Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Muftwang and Hyacinth Alia.

Others screened included Francis Nwifuru, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.

A senior APC official disclosed that more than 14 governors had already undergone screening as of Saturday.

The absence of Fubara, however, has fueled political speculation, particularly given the continuing political tensions in Rivers State and the governor’s complicated relationship with factions within the ruling party structure.

Speaking after his screening, Umo Eno described the exercise as smooth and important for strengthening ties between governors and the APC National Working Committee.

Eno praised the Tinubu administration, arguing that despite prevailing economic difficulties, there were signs of gradual improvement in the economy.

According to him, the stabilisation of the naira and federal support to states reflected ongoing progress under the current administration.

The governor also expressed confidence that Tinubu would seek re-election and consolidate ongoing reforms if returned to office in 2027.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant Yusuf Tuggar warned that achieving consensus among APC governorship aspirants in Bauchi State may prove difficult.

Tuggar expressed concern over what he described as a sudden surge in aspirants obtaining forms shortly before the screening exercise, cautioning the party against manipulation of the primary process.

He urged APC leaders to ensure that only genuinely committed aspirants participate fairly in the contest and warned against practices aimed at manufacturing artificial consensus arrangements.

The ongoing screening exercise comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission prepares for the 2027 elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 6.