Fubara political setback APC primaries: Rivers governor and allies lose ground as APC primary elections conclude ahead of 2027 polls
With primary elections concluding across major political parties in Nigeria, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has emerged as one of the biggest casualties of the unfolding political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Fubara’s political standing has been further weakened as associates and loyalists reportedly failed to secure tickets in various contests, intensifying speculation about his influence within the evolving power structure.
The governor himself stepped aside before the governorship primary, following indications that his chances of securing the party’s nomination were slim, according to political observers.
Across several states, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were said to have strengthened their positions within the party structure, further shifting the balance of influence in the ongoing political chess game.
Meanwhile, several APC governors seeking re-election secured their party’s governorship tickets, including Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Abba Yusuf of Kano State, and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, among others.
Other governors who also clinched tickets include Umar Bago of Niger State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
Fubara’s earlier defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress was widely viewed as a strategic move to secure political stability, but developments from the primaries appear to have undercut that calculation.
Reacting to the situation, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, maintained that there was an understanding that Fubara would not contest the governorship ticket, describing his withdrawal as consistent with prior political agreements between both sides.
Political analyst Anthony Idam criticised the outcome, arguing that while several APC governors were rewarded with automatic tickets, Fubara was effectively sidelined in what he described as political scapegoating.
He warned that the governor risks diminishing political relevance if he fails to secure a stronger foothold ahead of the next electoral cycle.
However, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, offered a more balanced view, stating that political fortunes often shift and that Fubara could still stage a comeback in the future.
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The developments highlight ongoing tensions and shifting alliances within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
