The All Progressives Congress has concluded the screening of governors and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Siminalayi Fubara notably absent from the exercise.
The screening, which began on May 8, covered governors seeking re-election, senatorial seats and other elective offices, including President Bola Tinubu and his sole challenger for the party’s presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo.
According to party officials, over 14 governors were screened by the committee chaired by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda.
Among those screened were Abba Yusuf, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Muftwang and Hyacinth Alia.
Others included Francis Nwifuru, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago and Dauda Lawal.
Speaking after his screening, Umo Eno described the exercise as smooth and praised the relationship between APC governors and the party’s National Working Committee.
He also expressed support for Tinubu’s administration, saying there was “light at the end of the tunnel” despite economic challenges.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant Yusuf Tuggar said consensus was unlikely in the state’s governorship race due to the growing number of aspirants.
Tuggar urged the APC leadership to ensure transparent primaries and prevent manipulative practices aimed at creating artificial consensus around preferred candidates.
Meanwhile, Fubara’s absence from the screening has fuelled speculation over his political future amid his prolonged rift with Nyesom Wike.
Although reports indicated that supporters purchased APC nomination forms on Fubara’s behalf, party officials said the Rivers governor had yet to appear before the screening committee.
Responding to questions about the absence of some governors, Yilwatda said governors with official state engagements were excused and would be allowed to appear within the stipulated timeframe.
The APC is expected to conduct its presidential primary on May 23, while governorship, National Assembly and state assembly primaries will hold in phases throughout May ahead of the 2027 elections.
