Fresh anxiety has gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party’s silence on the outcome of its screening exercise for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

The uncertainty has heightened tension among supporters of several governorship aspirants, with the political future of allies of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said to be uncertain.

Sources who spoke with The Guardian said the APC national leadership had continued to resist pressure to release the screening report.

Some party sources linked the delay to President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Kenya, claiming leaders were awaiting his return before taking a final decision.

Others, however, said the party was being cautious to avoid pushing aggrieved aspirants into rival political parties.

At the APC National Secretariat on Wednesday, members of the National Working Committee, led by the National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, were absent, further fuelling concerns among camps of affected aspirants.

The absence of key NWC members deepened anxiety over the fate of politicians believed to be loyal to Fubara within the APC structure in Rivers State.

There were also speculations over the modalities for the party’s proposed direct primaries.

Party sources said the apprehension was partly linked to fears that lawmakers aligned with Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly could be marginalised or lose influence following the prolonged political crisis in the state.

Tension reportedly escalated after claims emerged that several aspirants believed to be loyal to Fubara failed the party’s internal screening in Rivers State.

The APC has, however, denied allegations of bias, insisting that the screening process complied with established procedures.