Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and many of his political allies have suffered major setbacks following the conclusion of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, with loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, emerging dominant in the political contest.
The development became clear after the All Progressives Congress completed its primary elections across the country. While many governors seeking second terms secured automatic or easy victories in their states, Fubara failed to remain in the race after reportedly withdrawing from the governorship contest before the primary election.
Reports indicated that several of his loyalists who sought different political positions under the APC were also screened out or disqualified during the process, leaving the governor’s political camp without major victories. In contrast, politicians aligned with Wike secured most of the party tickets in Rivers State.
Fubara had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC following his prolonged political crisis with Wike. The governor was believed to have joined the ruling party in a bid to protect his political future and reduce tensions surrounding his administration. However, the move did not produce the expected outcome for him and his supporters.
The crisis between both men began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023. Their disagreement later grew into a full political battle over control of the party structure and influence in Rivers State politics.
Wike later revealed that there had been an agreement linked to the political settlement between both camps. According to him, part of the understanding was that impeachment threats against the governor would be dropped while Fubara would also stay away from the 2027 governorship contest.
Political analyst and activist Maduabuchi Idam described the situation as embarrassing for Fubara, especially because many governors within the APC were allowed to retain their tickets without opposition. He argued that the Rivers governor was treated differently despite publicly showing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.
Idam also stated that the governor risks losing political relevance after leaving office. According to him, Fubara may struggle to maintain influence because his administration failed to deliver projects or programmes that could strengthen his political standing among Rivers people.
The activist further warned that the governor could face more challenges after leaving office, including possible investigations by anti-graft agencies if political opponents decide to intensify pressure against him.
Despite the political losses, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, said Fubara still has a chance of returning to relevance in the future. He explained that politics often changes quickly and leaders who lose influence today can regain power later.
Sani also noted that many governors moved closer to the APC because of the advantage that comes with being part of the ruling party. According to him, several governors secured second-term tickets due to the strength and influence of the party at the national level.
Across the country, many APC governors seeking re-election successfully emerged as candidates for the 2027 governorship elections. Those who secured tickets include governors from Kaduna, Enugu, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states, among others.
The outcome of the primaries has further changed the political atmosphere in Rivers State, with observers now watching closely to see the next step Fubara and his supporters may take ahead of the general election.