The political battle for Rivers State reached a boiling point on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. In a high-stakes screening exercise for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket, the deep-seated rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, took center stage.

 

Governor Fubara, who reportedly obtained his nomination forms via proxy, arrived at the venue at 3:15 PM but exited visibly shaken less than ten minutes later. Sources describe a "cold shoulder" treatment from the committee, led by National Secretary Ajibola Basiru (standing in for Nentawe Yilwatda).

While other governors spent significant time with the panel, Fubara’s session was the shortest of the day. When pressed for comment by journalists, a moody Fubara simply replied, “No comment,” before speeding off in his SUV.

WIKE’S "RAINBOW COALITION" GAINS GROUND

In sharp contrast to the Governor's experience, Wike’s top allies—former House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and Rivers Commissioner for Works Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly—underwent what insiders called a "hitch-free" process.

Both Chinda and Kelly recently defected from the PDP to the APC under Wike’s direction. The party leadership appears to have fully integrated Wike’s structure, positioning the Minister as the ultimate kingmaker in the state.

“The process was smooth for Chinda and Kelly; they are Wike’s men and enjoy the support of the Presidency. This screening is a pointer that the APC structure in Rivers now rests with the Minister.” — Internal APC Source.

ROAD TO 2027: KEY DATES

The APC is moving rapidly toward its primaries. Here is the official countdown:

  • May 11, 2026: Release of screening reports.

  • May 12–13, 2026: Screening appeals.

  • May 21, 2026: Governorship Primaries.

  • January 16, 2027: Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

     

  • February 6, 2027: Governorship and State Assembly Elections.