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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was notably absent as the All Progressives Congress concluded the screening of governorship aspirants and incumbent governors ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise, conducted in Abuja by the party’s screening committee chaired by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, featured 14 governors seeking re-election as well as other aspirants contesting various offices on the APC platform. 
Also screened during the exercise was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sole challenger for the APC presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo, highlighting the president’s strong grip on the party ahead of the primaries. Governors who participated in the screening included those from Kano, Gombe, Kebbi, Plateau, Benue, Ebonyi, Delta, Niger, Zamfara, Cross River, and other APC-controlled states seeking second terms or fresh mandates. 
Fubara’s absence has further fuelled political speculation in Rivers State, especially amid his prolonged rivalry with former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The political crisis between both camps has continued to shape power dynamics in the state, with reports suggesting internal disagreements over Fubara’s political future and possible second-term ambitions within the APC. 
However, APC officials downplayed concerns surrounding the governor’s absence, explaining that some governors who were unable to attend because of official engagements would be rescheduled within the screening window. The party’s governorship primaries are expected to begin later this month as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections. 
