Fubara hit hard as APC primary elections redefine 2027 political landscape

….Fubara was sacrificed in APC power play–activist

As primary elections conclude across major political parties in Nigeria, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has emerged as one of the most politically affected figures in the unfolding realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Rivers governor, who recently resigned from the governorship race before the APC primary election, reportedly stepped aside after it became clear that his chances of clinching the party’s ticket were slim.

His withdrawal was followed by the disqualification or exclusion of several of his political associates who were also seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In contrast, political allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were widely reported to have secured dominance in key positions during the party’s primaries, further shifting the balance of power within the Rivers political structure.

APC Governors Sweep Second-Term Tickets

Across the country, several APC governors seeking re-election were successfully returned as the party’s flagbearers, reinforcing the ruling party’s internal consensus on continuity.

Those who secured governorship tickets include:

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Uba Sani (Kaduna)

Peter Mbah (Enugu)

Dikko Radda (Katsina)

Nasir Idris (Kebbi)

Umar Namadi (Jigawa)

Abba Yusuf (Kano)

Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto)

Umar Bago (Niger)

Hyacinth Alia (Benue)

Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)

Agbu Kefas (Taraba)

Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)

Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)

Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi)

The development has been interpreted by analysts as a consolidation of incumbency advantage within the ruling party, where sitting governors enjoy strong structural backing going into primaries.

Fubara’s APC Move and Political Undercurrents

It is recalled that Governor Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in a bid to stabilise his political standing amid internal crises in Rivers State. However, the move did not translate into political protection or guaranteed electoral advantage.

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Tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have remained a defining feature of Rivers politics since 2023, largely driven by disputes over the control of the state’s political structure.

Wike, speaking on the governor’s withdrawal from the race, suggested there had been prior political understandings regarding Fubara’s ambition.

According to him: “I’m not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that impeachment should be dropped while he should also not talk about second tenure.”

“Fubara Made Scapegoat” – Activist

Human rights activist, Barrister John Idam, faulted what he described as uneven treatment of political actors within the APC, arguing that while many governors were granted automatic tickets, Fubara was politically isolated.

Idam said: “What makes the situation even more humiliating is that several governors within the All Progressives Congress were rewarded with automatic tickets, while Fubara was only scapegoated and denied the same privilege.”

He further criticised the broader political and economic environment, arguing that Nigerians should be more concerned about worsening economic conditions than celebrating second-term tickets.

According to him: “The automatic tickets granted to many APC governors represent rewards for hard times. Nigerians should be mourning the state of the economy rather than celebrating politicians securing second-term tickets.”

The activist also warned that Fubara’s political influence could diminish significantly after leaving office, suggesting he may struggle to maintain relevance.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political career can arguably be said to have passed into the dark pages of history… He now risks fading quietly into political obscurity,” he added.

Idam further raised concerns that the governor’s post-office vulnerability could expose him to political or legal pressure, including possible scrutiny by anti-graft agencies.

“He Can Still Bounce Back” – Political Analyst

However, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, offered a contrasting view, arguing that political reversals are common and Fubara could still regain relevance in the future.

Sani noted that Nigerian political history is filled with examples of leaders who lost influence and later returned stronger.

“Since over the long history of nations… the powerful and the powerless often change places, it is quite possible for Fubara to bounce back politically,” he said.

He further observed that many governors align with the ruling party primarily to benefit from incumbency advantage ahead of elections.

“Because APC is the ruling party and people know what power can do, the governors are savvy enough to use the power of incumbency and secure re-election,” he added.

Analysts say the unfolding political developments in Rivers State and within the APC reflect deeper struggles over control, loyalty, and power realignment ahead of 2027.

While Fubara’s immediate political standing appears weakened, observers remain divided on whether the setback marks a temporary disruption or a long-term decline in his political trajectory.