Ahead of the 2027 general elections, some incumbent governors seeking re-election are facing growing political uncertainty after falling out with their long-time political godfathers.
In several cases, the affected governors—mostly from opposition parties—have found refuge in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, while their former benefactors remain in rival camps, deepening internal political rifts.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf are among those locked in open confrontation with their estranged godfathers, developments that observers say could threaten their chances of securing second terms.
In Kano, Governor Yusuf is at odds with Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the political force behind Yusuf’s 2023 election victory. Although Yusuf has not formally announced his defection, aides and state lawmakers have confirmed plans to move to the APC, prompting a backlash from the Kwankwassiyya movement.
Credible sources have confirmed that several Kwankwaso loyalists currently serving in Yusuf’s cabinet are preparing to resign once the defection is finalized. The NNPP is also said to be exploring options for a replacement candidate ahead of 2027.
In Rivers State, tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, have escalated following Fubara’s alignment with the ruling party. Reports suggest the governor may be seeking re-election despite an alleged agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s emergency rule, which reportedly barred him from a second term.
Wike has since embarked on an extensive political tour of Rivers’ 23 local government areas, vowing to reclaim control of the state’s political structure and block Fubara’s return in 2027.
The conflict has intensified with lawmakers loyal to Wike initiating impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, accusing them of gross misconduct and financial impropriety.
Reacting to the development, former Rivers PDP publicity secretary Sydney Gbara dismissed the impeachment move as a distraction, noting that the 2025 budget referenced in the allegations was passed by the National Assembly during emergency rule and remains legally valid until mid-2026.
As internal party battles and godfather rivalries deepen, analysts warn that the unfolding power struggles could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
