The political tension in Rivers State has taken another sharp turn, with fresh controversy emerging from the APC screening exercise ahead of the 2027 elections. What should have been a routine internal process has now exposed deeper cracks in the already fragile relationship between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara.
Reports from the screening committee suggest that all aspirants aligned with Governor Fubara were disqualified, while those loyal to Wike, including several serving lawmakers, were cleared to contest. That move immediately raised eyebrows, especially given the long-standing political battle between both camps over control of the state’s structure.
However, the situation quickly became more confusing when the APC screening committee came out to dismiss the circulating list of cleared and disqualified aspirants. According to the committee, the list making rounds is unofficial and did not come from the party’s authorized channels, urging the public to disregard it completely.
Meanwhile, Wike himself has distanced his name from the entire process. Speaking to journalists, he made it clear that he is not a member of the APC and has no business interfering in their internal affairs. In his words, he is “not a native doctor” and cannot explain decisions taken by a party he does not belong to.
Despite that statement, political observers say his influence in Rivers politics remains strong, especially with many of the cleared aspirants believed to be his loyalists. This has only added fuel to the perception that the political struggle in the state is far from over.
At the same time, another dimension is quietly building. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in the state, with at least eight aspirants already showing interest in the governorship race. The party is positioning itself as an alternative platform, attracting professionals and former public office holders looking for a fresh political path.
With multiple camps forming, alliances shifting, and tensions rising, one thing is clear—Rivers State is already in full election mode, even with 2027 still ahead. And if this early drama is anything to go by, the political battle for control of the state is only just getting started.