Political developments in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Sunday, May 10, 2026, as the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, was officially screened and cleared by the All Progressives Congress screening committee ahead of the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026.
The screening exercise, which took place at the Plateau Governors Lodge in Abuja, marked a major milestone in Fubara’s political journey and further intensified the unfolding power struggle within Rivers State politics.
Governor Fubara was reportedly among serving governors whose credentials and qualifications were carefully examined and verified by the APC screening committee. Following the assessment, the committee cleared him to participate in the governorship primary election, effectively confirming his eligibility to seek a second term under the APC platform.
The development has immediately generated widespread reactions across the country, particularly within Rivers State, where political alignments and rivalries continue to shape the state’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara’s Political Journey Takes Another Turn
Governor Fubara’s clearance by the APC comes amid months of intense political uncertainty and speculation surrounding his next political move. Since the beginning of his face-off with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Rivers politics has remained deeply polarized.
The relationship between both political heavyweights, once viewed as that of political allies, gradually deteriorated after Fubara assumed office as governor. What initially appeared to be minor disagreements soon escalated into a full-blown political crisis involving lawmakers, party stakeholders, and loyalists on both sides.
Observers say the latest development signals a major shift in Rivers State politics, especially considering the fact that Fubara’s screening and clearance under the APC platform may redefine political alliances in the South-South region.
APC Stakeholders Rally Behind Fubara
One of the most striking aspects of the governor’s re-election bid was the manner in which his APC nomination process unfolded.
Reports indicate that Governor Fubara obtained his APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms through proxies, a move coordinated by a coalition of Rivers APC stakeholders and elders. The group, reportedly led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, purchased and donated the forms in what they described as a strategic effort to sustain continuity, stability, and development in Rivers State.
The endorsement from influential APC stakeholders is widely interpreted as a sign that sections of the party structure in Rivers State are prepared to align with Fubara despite ongoing internal tensions.
Political analysts believe the coalition’s decision to openly support the governor reflects growing confidence in his administration and governance style, especially among political actors seeking stability in the state’s political environment.
Rising Tensions Within Rivers APC
While Governor Fubara’s clearance has energized his supporters, it has equally deepened tensions within the Rivers APC.
Sources within the political landscape suggest that loyalists of Nyesom Wike are uncomfortable with the governor’s growing influence within the APC and his apparent acceptance by sections of the party leadership. Many of Wike’s allies reportedly view Fubara’s entry into the APC governorship race as a direct challenge to their political structure and dominance in Rivers State.
The rivalry between both camps is expected to shape political discussions in the coming months, particularly as the APC primary election approaches.
Political observers are already predicting a highly competitive internal battle that could determine not just the future of the APC in Rivers State, but also the broader political balance ahead of 2027.
What Fubara’s Clearance Means for Rivers Politics
Governor Fubara’s successful screening sends a strong political message.
First, it confirms that the governor remains a formidable political force despite months of political confrontation and uncertainty. Secondly, it indicates that influential stakeholders within the APC may be willing to accommodate new political realities in Rivers State.
Beyond Rivers State, the development may also have implications for national politics. Rivers remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states due to its economic importance, voting strength, and influence in the Niger Delta region.
If Fubara eventually secures the APC governorship ticket, the political contest in Rivers State could become one of the most closely watched races in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Growing Public Interest Ahead of the Primaries
With the APC governorship primary now fixed for May 21, political attention has shifted toward the next phase of the process.
Supporters of Governor Fubara have described his clearance as a victory for democracy and political inclusion, while critics insist the internal crisis within Rivers APC is far from over.
Across social media and political circles, conversations continue to intensify over whether Fubara’s emergence could unify the APC in Rivers State or further deepen existing divisions.
For now, one thing remains certain — Rivers State is once again at the center of Nigeria’s political conversation, and all eyes are now on the forthcoming APC primaries.
Report by FaceToFace TV
