The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to contest the party’s governorship primary scheduled for May 21. The screening, conducted by the APC’s verification committee at the Plateau Governors’ Lodge in Abuja on Saturday, placed Fubara among 17 incumbent governors whose credentials were examined and approved.
The committee’s assessment focused on eligibility criteria stipulated by the party’s constitution, including party loyalty, legal standing and compliance with internal guidelines. After a review of documentation and interviews, the panel affirmed that Fubara satisfies all requirements to appear on the APC primary ballot.
Fubara’s clearance comes as the Rivers APC primary is expected to be highly competitive. Media Talk Africa reported that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, a prominent figure in the party and former governor of Rivers State, has signalled strong opposition to Fubara’s bid for a second term. Wike is reported to be mobilising support for an alternative candidate to challenge the incumbent governor.
One of the challengers who has already passed the screening process is Kingsley Chinda, identified as a loyalist of Wike. Chinda’s successful vetting positions him as a potential contender against Fubara in the upcoming primary. The presence of a former governor‑ally on the ballot suggests a contested race that could reshape the APC’s internal dynamics in the oil‑producing state.
Rivers State, Nigeria’s second‑largest oil‑producing region, holds strategic importance for the APC ahead of the 2023 general elections. The outcome of the May 21 primary will determine the party’s candidate for the November governorship election, influencing both local governance and the party’s national performance.
The APC’s screening process, which concluded on Saturday, marks the final procedural step before the party’s internal election. Party officials have indicated that the primary will be conducted in accordance with the APC’s electoral timetable and that any disputes arising from the contest will be addressed through the party’s grievance mechanisms.
As the primary approaches, both the incumbent governor and his challengers are expected to intensify campaign activities, rallying support from party members, traditional leaders and civil society groups. The result will not only decide the APC’s nominee but also set the tone for the broader political contest in Rivers State later this year.
