Amanze Chinonye
The screening committee constituted by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 House of Assembly primaries has recommended the disqualification of 65 aspirants while clearing 33 others to participate in the party’s primaries.
According to the committee’s report dated May 10, 2026, the panel chaired by Muraina Ajibola said the affected aspirants failed to meet requirements outlined in the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
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The report, addressed to the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee through the party’s National Organising Secretary, stated that the screening exercise was conducted on May 9 and 10 at the party secretariat along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway in Rivers State.
The committee said a total of 98 aspirants appeared before it for screening ahead of the 2027 Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
Among those cleared to contest in the primaries are Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, Ofiks K. Christopher, Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville, Hope Ugwumadu, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji and Amakri Awowari.
However, the committee recommended the disqualification of 65 aspirants, including Victor Oko Jumbo, Fubara Goodluck Ohaka, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, Prince Emukuighro Fubara and Tamunobaraiba George.
The panel listed several grounds for the disqualifications, including alleged inducement and attempted bribery of committee members, submission of unsworn affidavits, failure to present voter cards, absence of party membership slips or cards, conflicting dates of birth, irregularities in party membership records of nominators and inconsistencies in names on submitted documents.
Other reasons cited include failure to confirm payment of membership dues by nominators, insufficient nominators from wards and invalid affidavits relating to NECO certificates.
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The committee also referenced Article 9.3 of the APC constitution, which provides that only fully registered and financially up-to-date members of the party are eligible to vote and be voted for in party elections.
“In the course of the Committee’s sitting, petitions dated 8 May 2026 written on behalf of concerned members from all the Local Government Areas of Rivers State were served on the Committee,” the report stated.
According to the committee, the petitions sought the disqualification of certain aspirants on grounds that their nominations were endorsed by persons who were allegedly not financially up to date with the party.
The report further disclosed that one of the aspirants, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, allegedly approached the committee with an envelope containing money and a passport photograph in what it described as an attempt to improperly influence the screening process.
“The incident was reported to the police,” the committee stated.
The committee also reported a minor security incident involving aspirant Victor Oko Jumbo, who allegedly insisted on entering the screening venue with security aides, resulting in a disagreement with police officers before the situation was brought under control.
Despite the controversies, the committee said the exercise was conducted peacefully and in substantial compliance with the constitution and guidelines of the party.
It added that the screening reflected “the democratic spirit for which the Party stands” and commended aspirants, party officials and security operatives for their cooperation during the exercise.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
