Second Term: Fubara, Kano Gov Battle Uncertainty

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, are facing uncertainty over their chances of securing second-term tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Fubara recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political realignment aimed at strengthening his re-election prospects. Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf is expected to join the APC following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Despite the anticipated defections, party insiders say neither governor is guaranteed an automatic ticket. Powerful APC stakeholders and entrenched political interests in both Rivers and Kano states are reportedly opposing their ambitions, insisting that the party must conduct open and competitive primaries.

The situation has triggered intense political manoeuvring within the APC structures in the two states, with several governorship aspirants mobilising to challenge any attempt to impose candidates ahead of the party’s primaries.

In Rivers State, Fubara’s defection has further strained his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly stated that Fubara’s second-term ambition is not assured, even within the APC. Wike remains a highly influential figure in the state’s political landscape and the ruling party.

In Kano State, Yusuf’s planned move to the APC has unsettled long-standing party leaders, some of whom are already positioning themselves to contest the governorship ticket.

Political observers say the unfolding power struggle within the APC could significantly shape the party’s internal dynamics and influence governorship contests in both Rivers and Kano states as the 2027 elections draw closer.