Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, may face stiff battles in their bid to secure second-term tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC), as internal party opposition continues to grow in both states.
Although Fubara has officially defected to the APC and Yusuf is expected to join the ruling party following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), sources within the APC say neither governor has been guaranteed a return ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party insiders revealed that powerful stakeholders and long-standing political interests in Rivers and Kano are challenging the ambitions of both governors. This has sparked intense political manoeuvring, with several APC governorship hopefuls insisting that no candidate should be imposed and that transparent, competitive primaries must be held.
Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 9 was widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen his chances of securing a second term. However, the move further strained his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly stated that Fubara’s return is not guaranteed even within the APC.
Wike, while actively supporting President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, is said to be mobilising political forces across party lines in Rivers State to oppose Fubara’s re-election bid.
In Kano, Governor Yusuf recently resigned from the NNPP alongside several lawmakers and local government chairmen, fuelling speculation about his imminent defection to the APC. However, key figures such as Deputy Governor Aminu AbdulSalam and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso remain in the party, weakening Yusuf’s negotiating strength.
No automatic tickets
APC officials familiar with ongoing negotiations disclosed that while some governors who defected from the PDP were assured of support for second terms, no final decision has been made regarding Fubara and Yusuf.
According to one senior party insider, the political dynamics in Rivers and Kano have complicated discussions.
“Some governors who joined the APC had it clearly agreed that their return tickets would be protected. But Rivers and Kano are different. Strong interests and divisions in those states have made things uncertain. As of now, nothing concrete has been agreed for Governors Fubara and Yusuf,” the source said.
Another high-ranking APC figure noted that the party’s Governors’ Forum, which plays a major role in election funding and strategy, remains divided on the two states.
“In Kano, the governor’s inability to bring Rabiu Kwankwaso into the APC counts against him. There are also strong aspirants like Nasiru Gawuna and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. These are serious hurdles,” the source said.
“On Rivers, Wike remains a dominant force. Any discussion about Fubara’s return must involve him and other key stakeholders. The party is still testing the political weight of both governors.”
Aspirants reject imposition
In Rivers State, APC governorship aspirant and former candidate, Tonye Cole, has made it clear that he will not step down for any aspirant, including the sitting governor.
Cole insisted that all aspirants must contest in a proper primary election, arguing that Fubara’s defection has not resolved the leadership crisis within the party in the state.
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“There is still controversy over the party structure in Rivers. Until that is resolved, nobody can talk about automatic tickets. I am ready for the primaries,” he said.
Similarly, the APC in Kano State has ruled out the possibility of an automatic ticket for Governor Yusuf.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Ahmed Aruwa, stated that all aspirants, including defecting governors, must participate in the party’s governorship primary.
“There is no provision for automatic tickets in the APC. Everyone must go through the primaries,” he said.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, both Fubara and Yusuf appear set for tough internal battles, with their political futures in the APC far from settled.
