2027 race: Governors’ re-election ambitions face threat as rift with godfathers deepens

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, political fault lines are widening for some sitting governors seeking second terms, with growing rifts between them and their long-time political godfathers emerging as major obstacles to their re-election ambitions.

Investigations show that while some of the affected governors—particularly those from opposition parties—have found political shelter within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027, their former godfathers have been left behind and are now vowing to frustrate their ambitions.

Notably, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, are both locked in intense political battles with their estranged godfathers following their decisions to align with the APC-led federal government.

The confrontations are already reshaping political calculations in both states and could significantly influence the outcome of the next governorship elections.

Kwankwaso vs Yusuf: Kano Power Struggle Deepens

In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf has fallen out with his political benefactor and leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following the governor’s decision to defect to the APC.

Although Yusuf is yet to formally announce his defection, reports indicate that his aides and members of the Kano State House of Assembly have confirmed his intention to dump the NNPP for the ruling party.

The move has effectively ruptured his long-standing alliance with Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP and leader of the influential Kwankwassiyya Movement.

READ ALSO: APC secretary’s ultimatum to Wike signals deeper power struggle as Rivers crisis deepens 

Political observers note that Yusuf’s victory in the 2023 governorship election was largely driven by the massive grassroots support mobilised by Kwankwaso and his political structure. That support, however, is now being withdrawn following the governor’s decision to leave the party.

Sources revealed over the weekend that several loyalists of Kwankwaso currently serving in Yusuf’s administration are preparing to resign.

Among them is Mustapha Kwankwaso, the Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, who is expected to vacate his position ahead of the governor’s imminent defection.

Insiders further disclosed that at least seven other commissioners and top appointees loyal to Kwankwaso are poised to exit the cabinet once Yusuf officially joins the APC.

Meanwhile, the NNPP is said to have begun internal consultations and preparations to identify a potential replacement for Yusuf ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

READ ALSO: 2027: Governors break ranks as godfatherism loses grip on Nigeria’s power game

Wike vs Fubara: Rivers Crisis Escalates

In Rivers State, the political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—has intensified, posing a serious threat to the governor’s re-election prospects.

Since assuming office after the 2023 elections, Fubara has reportedly clashed with Wike on at least three occasions.

The latest fallout is believed to be linked to the governor’s alignment with the APC and allegations that he reneged on a reported agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Although the details of the agreement were never made public, sources claim that Governor Fubara allegedly committed, as part of the peace deal, not to seek a second term.

However, following his defection to the ruling party, political signals from the state suggest that the governor is positioning himself for re-election, reportedly with the backing of influential APC leaders.

In response, Wike recently spent 17 days in Rivers State, touring all 23 local government areas in what many observers see as a strategic move to reclaim the state’s political structure ahead of 2027.

The former governor has openly vowed that Fubara will not be re-elected, declaring that his own political career could be at stake if the incumbent returns for a second term.

The crisis has spilled into the Rivers State House of Assembly, where lawmakers loyal to Wike have initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

On Thursday, the Assembly served impeachment notices on both officials, citing allegations of gross misconduct.

READ ALSO: Kano politics poised for shake-up as Gov Yusuf reportedly plots exit from NNPP, Kwankwaso camp

Among the accusations are claims that the governor spent state funds illegally and failed to present the 2026 budget to the Assembly.

However, the impeachment move has drawn criticism from political stakeholders. The immediate past Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara, described the process as an unnecessary distraction.

“It’s an unnecessary distraction in the state because when an action is repeatedly taking place with no just reason, you will begin to question the motive behind it,” Gbara said.

He explained that the controversy surrounding the budget was misplaced, noting that the 2025 budget was passed by the National Assembly during the period of emergency rule and subsequently assented to by President Tinubu.

“One of the key things the assembly members are accusing the governor of was about the 2025 budget, which we all know was passed by the National Assembly in June last year during the emergency rule and assented to by Mr President,” he said.

According to Gbara, the budget remains valid for a one-year lifespan and will run until July this year, making it unnecessary for the governor to represent a budget already approved and signed into law.