The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was not present during the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening of sitting governors and other aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The screening exercise, conducted as part of preparations for the party’s primaries, is reviewing governors seeking re-election as well as other political office contenders. More than a dozen governors reportedly participated in the process.
However, Fubara’s absence stood out, especially as the exercise is a key step in determining eligibility for party primaries. APC officials explained that governors with pressing state responsibilities are sometimes excused and can appear later within the allowed timeframe.
The screening panel is led by the party’s national leadership and is part of a broader schedule that will lead to primaries for governorship, legislative seats, and the presidential ticket.
Other governors from across the country, including those from Kano, Gombe, Kebbi, Plateau, Benue, Ebonyi, Delta, Niger, Zamfara, Cross River, and Sokoto, were screened during the exercise.
The process comes amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which has continued to shape the state’s political landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who remains the APC’s central figure ahead of the 2027 elections, is also part of the broader political process shaping the party’s direction.
The screening is being coordinated alongside the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, which has already released timelines for party primaries, campaigns, and the 2027 general elections.
APC officials say the exercise will continue within the scheduled period, with opportunities for affected aspirants to complete their screening before final decisions on who progresses to the primaries.
