APC Clears Fubara, Uzodimma, Alli, Others for Primaries as Petitions Stall Final List Release

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and former Oyo State Secretary to the State Government Sarafadeen Alli, among other aspirants, for its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as internal petitions delay the release of the full screening report.

Party sources confirmed that thousands of aspirants across presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions were screened, with the leadership still reviewing complaints from screening panels before publishing the final list. One party insider said the process was being carefully managed, explaining that “we are still working on the screening report to make sure everything goes well,” while insisting that “the day is not over” despite missed timelines.

Despite speculation around disqualifications, the party dismissed claims affecting governors, with a source stressing, “Nooo! No governor has been booted out. The party has always supported its governors. Some of them like Uzodimma got automatic clearance.” The clarification effectively reaffirmed that all sitting governors who went through the process were cleared.

Attention has also shifted to former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who is seeking the Oyo State governorship ticket, but party insiders said his case remains unsettled, with indications that he may still face clearance issues.

Within the party, discussions are ongoing around managing internal competition through consensus, with one senior source noting that leadership is “working towards consensus but where that fails, direct primaries will be held in accordance with the Electoral Act.” The official added that while some high-profile aspirants are unwilling to agree, “we don’t want that” referring to possible legal disputes after primaries.

In Ogun State, the contest over the senatorial ticket between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel remains unresolved, as party stakeholders continue efforts to manage tensions around consensus arrangements. In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has now agreed to conduct direct primaries after initially pushing for consensus, following a directive from the party’s National Working Committee.

The screening process, according to party officials, remains under review due to the volume of petitions filed by aspirants, with multiple panels submitting complaints that must be treated on their merits before the final list is released.