Fubara, Nwifuru, AbdulRazaq absent as APC screens governors ahead of 2027 election

Three governors, including Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru; and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, were absent on Saturday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) began screening incumbent governors ahead of the 2027 general election.

The screening exercise is being overseen by a committee chaired by Nentawe Yilwatda, while the party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, serves as secretary of the committee.

Speaking during the screening, Yilwatda explained that the absent governors had informed the committee of official engagements in their respective states.

According to him, the governors were excused due to the responsibilities attached to their positions as chief executives of their states.

He stated that Governor AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Governor Fubara of Rivers all cited state matters as reasons for their absence.

Yilwatda added that the governors would be screened whenever they become available, stressing that the committee understands the demands of governance and remains flexible with scheduling.

He described the governors as “field commanders” whose official duties may sometimes take precedence over party activities.

Among governors screened by the committee were Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

Others screened included Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Niger State Governor, Umar Bago; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu; and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu.