The screening exercise of the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections has drawn national attention following the absence of Siminalayi Fubara from the process, despite reports that nomination forms were purchased on his behalf.
According to reports, the APC screened over 14 governors seeking re-election and other elective offices, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s lone challenger in the presidential race, Stanley Osifo, also appeared before the panel.
The APC had commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the process closing on May 6. Screening for sitting governors began on May 8 and is expected to conclude on May 10.
The party is expected to adopt both consensus and direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2025. Primaries for various elective positions are scheduled to begin on May 15 with the House of Representatives, while the presidential primary is slated for May 23.
Among governors screened were Abba Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang, Hyacinth Alia, Francis Nwifuru and Sheriff Oborevwori.
Others screened included Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.
Speaking after the exercise, Umo Eno described the screening as smooth and commended the synergy between APC governors and the party’s National Working Committee. He also praised President Tinubu’s administration, saying the country was witnessing gradual economic stabilisation despite prevailing challenges.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant, Yusuf Tuggar, said consensus among APC aspirants in Bauchi State was unlikely due to the increasing number of contestants.
He urged the party to guard against manipulations and ensure only serious aspirants emerge through a transparent process.
Presidential aspirant Stanley Osifo also described the screening as rigorous but fair, maintaining that he remained in the race despite endorsements for President Tinubu.
However, the absence of Governor Fubara from the screening exercise generated widespread speculation.
Reports indicated that some Rivers stakeholders, including Awaji-Inombek Abiante and former Rivers Commissioner for Education, Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, allegedly purchased APC nomination forms for him amid his lingering political crisis with his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Responding to concerns over Fubara’s absence, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said governors who had official state engagements were excused and would be accommodated within the stipulated timeframe.
Further reports also indicated that former Rivers Commissioner for Works, Das George-Kelly, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, had obtained governorship nomination forms in Rivers State.
The development has further heightened uncertainty over Governor Fubara’s political future and the evolving power dynamics in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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