The Digest:
The second-term ambitions of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf within the All Progressives Congress are facing significant uncertainty, according to party insiders. While both governors have defected or are set to defect to the ruling party, powerful internal stakeholders are contesting their automatic return tickets. In Rivers, Fubara faces opposition from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while in Kano, Yusuf’s failure to bring NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso with him and existing aspirants like Nasiru Gawuna complicate his path. APC officials state that transparent primaries will be required, with no guarantees of automatic tickets.
Key Points:
- The internal contests could lead to expensive and divisive primary battles, draining party resources and cohesion.
- Successful defection does not equate to political security, highlighting the complex bargaining and factional loyalties within the APC.
- The outcomes will test the influence of party godfathers versus incumbent governors in determining candidate selection.
- The situations in both states exemplify the high-stakes negotiation and turbulence involved in major political realignments.
- How the party manages these disputes will signal its internal democratic health and its capacity to integrate powerful new entrants smoothly.
The battle for the APC tickets in Rivers and Kano is set to be a major test of internal party politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources: Sunday PUNCH
