A group of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has purchased governorship nomination forms for Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections, in a move that underscores ongoing political realignments in the state.

The development took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and is widely seen as consolidating Fubara’s position within the APC following his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in late 2025.

The initiative was reportedly led by a faction of the party aligned with Tony Okocha, with supporters describing the move as a show of confidence in the governor’s leadership.

A representative of the group said the decision reflects a collective endorsement of Fubara’s performance and a strategy to strengthen the party’s chances in the next electoral cycle.

Fubara’s defection to the APC marked a significant shift in Rivers State politics, coming after a prolonged political dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The move also aligned the governor more closely with the administration of President Bola Tinubu and its policy direction.

Despite the show of support, divisions remain within the Rivers APC. A rival faction led by Emeka Beke has raised concerns over internal party processes, citing ongoing legal disputes over party leadership in the state.

Wike has also commented on the development, noting that party affiliation alone does not guarantee electoral success.

Political observers say the purchase of nomination forms signals an early start to the 2027 governorship race in Rivers State and could reshape alliances within both the APC and opposition parties.

With Fubara now firmly positioned within the ruling party’s structure in the state, attention is expected to shift to how internal disputes are resolved and how rival political blocs mobilise ahead of the elections.