Amanze Chinonye
Fresh cracks have emerged within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after scores of aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified from the party’s screening exercise for the 2027 State House of Assembly primaries.
The development followed the release of the APC screening committee’s list, which showed that more than 60 aspirants across several constituencies were denied clearance to participate in the primaries, triggering renewed tensions within the party’s ranks in Rivers State.
Among those reportedly affected are key political figures associated with the governor’s camp, including former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, alongside several lawmakers and grassroots politicians aligned with Fubara.
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Rivers APC Screening Committee Disqualifies 65 Assembly Aspirants, Clears 33 for Primaries
The outcome of the screening has further highlighted the deepening political contest between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whose loyalists are believed to maintain strong control of the APC structure in the state.
Party insiders indicate that many aspirants identified with Wike’s political bloc successfully scaled through the screening process, consolidating their influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy also spread beyond the assembly race, with reports indicating that several prominent allies of the governor were similarly disqualified from senatorial and House of Representatives primaries conducted by the party.
Those reportedly affected include former Deputy Governor Ipalibo Banigo, former Chief of Staff Tammy Danagogo, businessman Tein Jack-Rich, as well as federal lawmakers Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead.
Meanwhile, some APC figures associated with the Wike camp have continued to secure victories in the party’s internal contests, including Martin Amaewhule, who recently emerged winner of the party’s House of Representatives primary for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency.
Although the APC leadership has yet to issue a comprehensive explanation for the widespread disqualifications, party officials were quoted as insisting that the screening exercise was conducted in accordance with established guidelines and eligibility requirements.
The latest episode adds another layer to the prolonged political realignment in Rivers State following Fubara’s fallout with Wike and his eventual movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC amid the state’s lingering political crisis.
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.
