The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified 65 aspirants, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo, from the Rivers State assembly primaries for the 2027 elections. Most of those screened out are loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while 33 aspirants aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike were cleared to contest.
The development has intensified political tension in Rivers State, raising concerns about the APC’s unity and strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to a report obtained by Daily Trust, the committee’s report was signed by its chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, and three other members. The disqualification was based on failure to meet the party’s requirements.
Meanwhile, 33 aspirants loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were cleared to contest. Many of them are incumbent members of the Rivers Assembly. The committee confirmed that the cleared aspirants had their credentials successfully verified and met the eligibility criteria.
Cleared Aspirants
Those cleared include Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, Ofiks K. Christopher, Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville, Azeru Opara, Igwe Obey Aforji, Opuende Lolo Isaiah, Ukalikpe Napoleon, Hope Ugwumadu, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji, Onyema Rex Nwankwo, Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, Gift Esede Ali, Ejekwu Chisa Nathan, and Peter E. Abbey.
Others include Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, Barida Alice Samuel, Ohanuna Bright, Kue Yeghene Nwankwo Chimezie C., Emeji Gloria Chika, Ejekwu Ezebunwo Leslie, Okpokipou Peters, Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, Amadi Promise Amadi, Opuene Thompson Atekebo, and Amakri Awowari.
Disqualified Loyalists
Prominent among those disqualified is Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo, former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government and a core loyalist of Governor Fubara. In total, 98 aspirants had obtained nomination forms and were screened at the APC Secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Political Tension
The development has heightened political tension in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike’s loyalists were cleared, while Fubara’s supporters were screened out. A supporter of Governor Fubara told Daily Trust: “You cannot just pursue out your key mobilizers from the party because you want to please a particular interest and you expect them to sit back and work for the success of the same people that oppressed them. Though we are handling it as a party, but if it’s not handled well, I believe APC as a party has just shot itself in the foot, and the resultant effect will be felt during the general election.”
Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State said that his decision to pursue peace in the rift between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, was a deliberate move for survival and the protection of what is dear to him, personally and the country. The governor made the revelation while speaking at the New Telegraph Newspaper Awards on Saturday, February 14, where he was declared man of the year. He stressed that opting for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. He said, “weakness is a virtue that pays at the right time.”
