Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State are facing uncertainty within the All-Progressives Congress (APC) over whether they will secure party tickets for second-term bids ahead of the 2027 general elections, multiple party sources have told Sunday PUNCH.
Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9, 2025 in a move widely seen as aimed at strengthening his bid for a second term.
Governor Yusuf has also begun steps to join the APC after resigning from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with several lawmakers and local officials.
APC insiders speaking on condition of anonymity said neither governor’s return ticket has been guaranteed. Sources pointed to internal disagreements among powerful party leaders and entrenched political interests in both Rivers and Kano states, complicating decisions.
One party official said leaders want transparent and competitive primaries and are resistant to imposing candidates, including incumbents. Another said divisions persist over whether Fubara and Yusuf can secure broad support in their states.
Fubara’s defection has intensified tensions with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and former political ally.
Wike reportedly insists that Fubara’s second term is not guaranteed, even with APC membership, and has been mobilising stakeholders against his return bid.
Party leaders say an understanding with influential local figures may be necessary before a ticket is finalised.
In Kano, members of the NNPP, including Yusuf, have moved to join the APC with several lawmakers, but some key figures such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and the deputy governor remain in the NNPP.
APC insiders said the absence of a unified bloc behind Yusuf may weaken his case for an automatic return ticket.
APC governorship aspirants in both states have publicly rejected the idea of automatic tickets for defectors, saying all aspirants must compete in party primaries.
Party officials in Kano said every candidate, including sitting governors, must participate equally in the nomination process.
Governorship aspirants, party leaders and state stakeholders will continue discussions ahead of primaries.
The APC has not yet announced official timelines or decisions on how returns will be finalised for Fubara, Yusuf or others seeking nomination for the 2027 governorship elections.
