The All Progressives Congress (APC) has provided an explanation for the absence of three of its governors during the party's screening exercise. Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State did not appear before the screening committee as scheduled.
APC National Chairman Speaks on Governors' Absence
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the APC, addressed journalists after the screening exercise held in Abuja on Saturday, May 9. He confirmed that the three governors had communicated their inability to attend due to pressing commitments and were subsequently excused.
Yilwatda stated: "The Governor of Kwara said he has issues to attend to, so we excused him. The Governor of Ebonyi said he has issues to attend to, so we excused him. The Governor of Rivers said he has issues to attend to, so we excused him."
Governors Fubara and Nwifuru are seeking re-election in their respective states during the 2027 general elections and have already purchased the APC governorship nomination forms. Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRasaq is vying for a senatorial seat in the upcoming polls.
Public Reactions to the Development
The national chairman's statement has sparked varied reactions from Nigerians. Some commentators expressed skepticism about the governors' chances in their primaries, given the internal dynamics within the APC.
An individual named Abraham noted: "Rivers State is quite complicated. Governor Fubara is facing a very steep opposition even within the APC. I strongly doubt that he will be able to win his primaries. Anyways, good luck to him."
Another commentator, Omo Kese, highlighted the crisis in Ebonyi State: "Ebonyi issue is that Umahi said he wants primary because he wants to endorse another candidate, while Nwifuru said consensus, so God has started dealing with you people gradually."
Faisal Balarabe criticized the APC for its internal conflicts: "Screening day became an 'excused absence' day. At this rate, just forward the questionnaire to WhatsApp and tick 'delivered.' The only thing getting screened is the party's ability to hold a meeting. APC: All Promises Cancelled until further notice."
Ossana urged Governor Fubara to consider defecting to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): "Why didn't Fubara simply decamp to NDC and lobby for their ticket there? Or he's scared of being impeached before his tenure ends? Decamp to NDC, do everything by the book and use bureaucracy to frustrate any impeachment attempt."
Idy expressed concerns about Fubara's prospects: "For Fubara, something is really cooking behind the scenes for him. I wish he's able to come out strong, he went to do a covenant with Wike, and the whole thing is hunting him now, I really wish he gets the ticket."
APC Announces Primary Method for 2027
In a related development, the APC has announced that direct primaries will be conducted to select its candidates for the 2027 general elections. President Bola Tinubu is expected to face a prominent businessman in the contest for the party's ticket, according to a statement issued by Ajibola Basiru. The announcement has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians as they look ahead to the 2027 elections.
