Fresh political tension has emerged within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress following delays in the release of screening results for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, deepening uncertainty among supporters of several influential politicians across the country.

At the centre of the growing anxiety are allies of Siminalayi Fubara, whose political future within the APC structure in Rivers State remains uncertain amid ongoing internal disputes.

Party insiders disclosed that the delay in announcing the screening outcome has heightened fears among aspirants and supporters, especially after reports suggested that some politicians linked to Fubara may have failed the internal screening process.

The silence from the APC national leadership has fueled speculation that the party is carefully managing internal disagreements to avoid defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources also linked the delay to the absence of key members of the APC National Working Committee led by National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Attempts to obtain official clarification from APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, reportedly proved unsuccessful.

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The controversy surrounding the screening process has intensified concerns that lawmakers and political figures loyal to Fubara could face marginalisation within the party structure in Rivers State.

Political observers believe the prolonged crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly may further complicate the future of affected politicians as party primaries draw closer.

Beyond Rivers State, tensions are also growing in Benue State, where divisions linked to Governor Hyacinth Alia and other APC factions are reportedly affecting internal party arrangements.

Party insiders warned that unresolved grievances over candidate selection and allegations of selective screening could worsen divisions within the ruling party nationwide.

Meanwhile, speculation continues over the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima as some governors within the Progressive Governors’ Forum reportedly align their strategies with possible future developments surrounding President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s 2027 presidential ticket.

In Gombe State, former governor Danjuma Goje has reportedly dumped the APC following disagreements over a consensus arrangement for the Gombe South Senatorial District.

The crisis emerged after Governor Inuwa Yahaya backed Jerry Damara as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial district.

Goje’s departure is being viewed by many analysts as another sign of growing dissatisfaction over the increasing influence of governors in determining party candidates.

Elsewhere, former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, is also facing internal opposition in his attempt to secure the APC senatorial ticket for Abia North.

Kalu is reportedly confronting resistance from Dr Phillips Nto within the APC, while parallel political alignments continue within the Labour Party over the same seat.

In Ondo State, concerns over possible violence have intensified ahead of APC primary elections scheduled for this week.

Residents in Owo, Akure, Idanre, Irele, Okitipupa and Akoko South West reportedly expressed fears over the alleged movement of suspected political thugs into their communities.

The tension follows previous violence recorded during APC congresses in the state, where party leaders and supporters were reportedly attacked.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is said to be locked in a dispute with some National Assembly members over allegations surrounding return tickets for certain aspirants.

The APC national leadership reportedly rejected a consensus arrangement backed by the governor and insisted on conducting direct primaries instead.

The Ondo State Government has appealed for calm and urged party members to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the primaries.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said proactive security measures had been intensified across the state. Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reportedly led a show-of-force operation across some local government areas to reassure residents.

Amid the political tensions, women’s rights advocate Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche accused major political parties of systematically sidelining women ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ogwuche alleged that female aspirants across parties, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress, are increasingly being pressured to withdraw in favour of consensus candidates.

She noted that Nigeria currently ranks among countries with the lowest female parliamentary representation globally, with women occupying only a small percentage of seats in the National Assembly.

Ogwuche also expressed concern over the delayed progress of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to increase women’s representation in legislative positions across Nigeria.

According to her, excluding women from political participation could negatively affect democratic development and governance outcomes ahead of the 2027 elections.