The All Progressives Congress is set for a decisive round of governorship primaries today, Thursday, May 21, 2026 across the 36 states, with political tensions rising over attempts to impose consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In many states, party leaders and influential stakeholders have pushed for consensus arrangements to avoid rancorous contests and internal divisions.
However, the move has been resisted by several aspirants who insist on testing their popularity at the polls, reports The PUNCH.
Among the closely watched contests are those involving Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara stepped aside, Adamawa, Kwara and Plateau State as party members await the outcome of the primaries that could shape the political direction of both states.
With loyalists of Fubara missing on the list for the cleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly primary election scheduled for yesterday, political observers opined that Fubara was in for tough battle to secure the second term ticket.
However, in a shocking move, Governor Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primary election last night, citing the need to preserve peace, unity, and stability in the state.
Fubara announced his decision in an official statement titled ‘My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,’ where he said the move followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and associates.
He stated that although the decision was difficult, it was taken in the overriding interest of Rivers State and the need to place collective good above personal ambition.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he said.
The governor noted that leadership often requires sacrifice, stressing that at certain moments, personal ambition must give way to the broader interests of the people.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he added.
Fubara expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and encouragement throughout his political journey, acknowledging their emotional and material support.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey — your time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude,” he said.
He further described his recent silence as intentional, saying it was guided by what he called “the higher interest of the state.”
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace… I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he stated.
The governor also thanked the APC for the platform and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and support.
Fubara, however, stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender, but rather as a deliberate act of sacrifice for peace in Rivers State.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside… not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State to the end of his tenure, while calling on party members to remain united and focused on building a stronger APC.
Fubara’s withdrawal comes amid months of political tension and internal power struggles within the Rivers APC, which have significantly shaped the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Before this latest drama in Rivers politics, Fubara had earlier appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja, where he was reportedly involved in a tense encounter that ended abruptly, with the governor said to have walked out of the venue without addressing journalists.
Since then, he has remained largely silent on the unfolding political developments within the party, even as speculation continues to mount over his next move.
Meanwhile, amid the internal turbulence in the Rivers APC, the party reportedly disqualified all 32 aspirants said to have been backed by the governor for the state House of Assembly primaries. Among those affected were three lawmakers who had been loyal to Fubara during the prolonged political crisis in the state, including those aligned with the then factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Similarly, three members of the House of Representatives believed to be loyal to the governor —including Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Hon. Boma Goodhead — also failed to secure tickets to return to the National Assembly following their disqualification from the primaries.
In the same vein, former Rivers State Deputy Governor and Senator representing Rivers West, Dr Ipalibo Banigo-Harry, who is also considered an ally of Fubara, was affected by the disqualification exercise.
Banigo-Harry, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Nyesom Wike for eight years before their political fallout after her emergence as senator, also lost out in the process.
Amid growing speculation that the governor may be weighing a “Plan B,” Fubara recently dismissed rumours of defection during a project inspection in Port Harcourt, insisting that he remains a loyal member of the APC.
However, palpable tension continues to grip the state as political actors across factions— including supporters of the governor, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and other stakeholders—await the outcome of Thursday’s primary, which is expected to significantly shape the 2027 political landscape in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, have been engaged in a running battle for three years following an intractable feud between both since 2023.
Former Rivers Governor Wike influenced Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023, but both politicians fell out months after because of the struggle for control of the political structures in the oil-rich state.
President Bola Tinubu had brokered two peace deals between the parties, but they all collapsed shortly after.
The crisis later resulted in the declaration of emergency rule in the state in 2025.
Fubara, who was suspended by Tinubu for six months alongside all elected officials in the state in March 2025, returned to office last September after the President declared an end to the emergency rule.
In January, Wike-backed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced the third attempt to impeach Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
While governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger and Sokoto emerged as consensus candidates for a second term, Fubara was pitted against Wike’s loyalist and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, the state’s former Commissioner for Works, Dakorinama George-Kelly, and Tonye Cole.
However, Cole withdrew from the race yesterday, citing the need to preserve party unity and stability ahead of today’s primaries. George-Kelly also stepped aside from the race, leaving Chinda as the sole contestant for the governorship primary.
In a statement yesterday, Cole, who also contested the 2023 governorship election, said his decision followed extensive consultations and was in line with broader agreements reached at high-level meetings convened by the APC national leadership on the future of the party in Rivers State.
He explained that although the decision was difficult, it was taken in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress.
Cole described himself as a loyal party man and committed democrat who had consistently advocated dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among stakeholders and factions within the Rivers APC.
The statement read in part, “I would like to address an important development regarding tomorrow’s (Thursday) primaries.
“As a committed democrat and a firm believer in strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party, the APC.
“In recent days, the national leadership of our party convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting during which far-reaching discussions were held on the future of the Rivers APC and the imperative of presenting a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries.”
Cole added that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate after the primaries, urging his supporters to remain peaceful and united.
“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state.
“I therefore call on all my supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast, and to give their full cooperation to the leadership of our great party. Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, a senior party source who spoke on condition of anonymity described Cole’s withdrawal as a sign of loyalty and discipline within the party.
The source, however, suggested that the move may strengthen support for Kingsley Chinda, who is reportedly favoured by some key political stakeholders, including allies of Wike.
Kwara State has also emerged as one of the fiercest battlegrounds, with over a dozen aspirants preparing to challenge Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred successor, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, despite widespread endorsements from party leaders and support groups.
Similarly, political negotiations intensified in Lagos as some aspirants aligned behind Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, while others maintained their ambition to contest the ticket.
The APC is expected to conduct direct primaries in states where consensus arrangements fail, with party officials expressing concern that unresolved disputes could deepen internal divisions ahead of the governorship election season.
Investigations showed that resistance to consensus deals intensified in at least 10 states, including Kwara, Lagos, Plateau, Gombe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Oyo, where multiple aspirants have rejected pressure to step down for preferred candidates.
In Plateau, a retired military officer Yilcini Bida, dismissed reports on Tuesday that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bida insisted he was fully in the race and was prepared to challenge the incumbent governor at the primary.
“I want to inform the people of Plateau State that I am still in the race. Rumours are flying around that I have stepped down, but I remain fully committed to contesting the primary on Thursday,” he said.
Bida said his administration, if elected, would focus heavily on infrastructure renewal, economic development, and security reforms.
Bida said he was confident of winning the primary despite facing an incumbent governor.
It was learnt that Bida has seen his support base rise amid rumours that he has the backing of Abuja, which has sparked fears in the supporters of Mutfwang.
Fintiri vs Ribadu
There is rising political tension in Adamawa State as key political blocs aligned to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, intensify behind-the-scenes moves to influence who emerges as the next governor of the state.
Within the APC, several governorship aspirants are currently in the race, including Alhaji Mustapha Salihu, Tijani Galadima, Salihu Girei, Abdurrahman Haske, Abdurrazaq Namdas, Joe Madaki, and Iya Abbas.
Political alignments within the party have, however, further heightened the contest.
The Fintiri political camp is reportedly backing Mustapha Salihu, while the Ribadu group is supporting Tijani Galadima. Meanwhile, some Christian stakeholders, described as a significant voting bloc in the state, are said to be rooting for Joe Madaki.
Governor Fintiri had last week indicated that he would publicly unveil his preferred successor, a move initially scheduled for Friday.
However, findings suggest the plan was shelved following pressure from political stakeholders in Abuja, who reportedly raised concerns over possible political repercussions, including threats of impeachment.
The governor’s earlier statement that he would reveal his preferred candidate had already stirred controversy within the APC, further deepening internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a recent visit by one of the governorship aspirants, Mustapha Salihu, Governor Fintiri said he reserved the right, like every other political actor, to support any candidate of his choice.
“I have the right to support any candidate of my choice just like any other person. By next week, I will tell the people of Adamawa State who my candidate is,” he said.
“I will mobilise all government structures and resources to support my candidate to win the forthcoming general elections for the good of the people of Adamawa State,” he added.
However, the statement has been widely criticised by some APC stakeholders, who described it as undemocratic, warning that imposition of candidates could hurt the party’s chances in the general elections.
An APC chieftain, Uba Danarewa, told our correspondent that the Ribadu support group was backing Galadima, insisting that the group would not accept any candidate outside its preferred choice.
He added that the faction is determined to resist any attempt at imposition within the party.
Another APC stakeholder from Hong Local Government Area, Abubakar Aliyu, argued that the party should zone its governorship ticket to the southern senatorial district of the state.
He also alleged that Governor Fintiri was backing Salihu as his preferred successor.
Investigations suggest that the governor is indeed supporting Salihu’s candidacy. It was further gathered that in a strategic move, one of the aspirants, Iya Abbas, withdrew from the race and later picked up a senatorial form after the governorship screening process.
On Tuesday, the 2027 governorship race in the state took a new twist as two frontline aspirants stepped down in favour of their colleagues amid moves to consolidate support within the party.
Diaulhaq Abubakar withdrew from the contest in favour of Galadima, while Joel Madaki stepped down to back Abdulrahman Haske.
Galadima, reacting to Abubakar’s withdrawal, described the move as an act of maturity and sacrifice.
“I wish to sincerely applaud and appreciate Diaulhaq Abubakar for his decision to step down for me. His action reflects maturity, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our great party,” he said.
Madaki, on his part, said his decision was informed by the need to allow younger politicians take on leadership responsibilities.
“The moment has come for the younger generation to step forward and assume leadership roles. Adamawa needs fresh perspectives and leaders who understand the struggles of the people, especially the youth,” he said.
The development followed a closed-door meeting reportedly convened at the Government House, Yola, where Governor Fintiri met APC governorship aspirants.
Those present included Madaki, Haske, Aminu Iya Abbas, Salisu Bakari Girei, Tijjani Galadima, Mustapha Salihu, Abdulrazak Namdas, Bello Ibrahim Thol, and Diaulhaq Abubakar.
Kwara
Consensus efforts suffered major setbacks in Kwara State, where 13 aspirants are preparing to confront Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred candidate, Yahaya Seriki.
The governor on Tuesday publicly endorsed Seriki as his preferred successor after what he described as “extensive consultations” with party leaders and stakeholders.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, AbdulRazaq said Seriki possessed the capacity and political reach required to sustain the administration’s achievements.
“Following extensive consultations with party structures and leadership, I am pleased to endorse Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as my preferred successor under the platform of our party, the APC,” the governor stated.
He described Seriki as “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded,” adding that the businessman and political mobiliser enjoyed “profound investments and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State.”
The governor, however, stressed that his endorsement did not invalidate the ambitions of other aspirants.
“While this does not in any way preclude all other aspirants from contesting in the primaries, I urge members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki for cohesion, unity and continuous success of the party,” he added.
Other states
Oyo State followed closely with 11 governorship aspirants, while Adamawa recorded 10 contenders, reflecting heightened political activity ahead of the primaries.
Notable aspirants include former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
Adamawa’s crowded field includes Abdulrazak Namdas, Mustapha Salihu, Senator Aminu Abbas, Abdurahaman Haske, Felix Tangwami, Joel Madaki, Bello Ibrahim and three others.
Bauchi also recorded eight aspirants, among them the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
In Abia State, the party recorded four aspirants namely Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Henry Ikoh, Martins Azubuike, and Opah Chinemeucheya.
Benue State has four aspirants – Mathias Byuan, Kuraun Isaac, Akutah Ukeyima and Terwase Orbunde – vying for the state’s top job against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Gombe State recorded two aspirants – Senator Sa’id Alkali, who is vying against Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s preferred candidate Jamil Gwamna.
In Nasarawa, three aspirants – Prof Hassan Liman (SAN) from the northern senatorial district, a former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu and the state’s immediate past Accountant-General, Zakka Yakubu – are poised to test their might against Governor Abdullahi Sule’s preferred candidate, Senator Aliyu Wadada, in what promises to be an explosive battle of political heavyweights for the next man to occupy the state’s number one seat.
It was learnt that 11 aspirants had declared their intention to contest the primary but seven bought tickets with three pulling out, leaving out the final four to slot it out for the ticket.
