President Bola Tinubu has reportedly declined to back Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged second-term ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to The Will, the decision may be linked to the lingering political rift between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is still believed to wield significant influence over the political structure in Rivers State.
According to the publication, Tinubu directed the APC leadership in the state to allow Wike take full control of the party structure and oversee the selection of candidates for the next election cycle.
It was also gathered that Wike has chosen former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, as his preferred governorship candidate for 2027.
Sources within the party said Fubara made efforts to get the president’s backing but was advised to settle his differences with Wike first. However, Wike has repeatedly maintained that the governor would not return for another term.
“The President said he should go and talk to Wike about it. If Wike agrees then he has his full support. As you already know, Wike has repeatedly said Fubara will not get a second term. So we will not give him the ticket to our party,” the source said.
Chinda was until last week a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minority Leader in the House. He was cleared by the APC screening panel last week to run in the governorship primary.
The governorship primary is expected to hold on May 21, 2026, with Fubara likely to face Chinda, Dax George-Kelly and former APC governorship candidate, Tonye Cole.
Political observers believe the battle is no longer only about the governorship seat but also about full control of the APC structure ahead of the 2027 general election.
