Loyalists of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara were notably absent from the final list of cleared aspirants released by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming Rivers State House of Assembly primary election, scheduled for Wednesday.
Key Allies Excluded
Among those excluded from the final list were former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo. Both are considered key allies of Governor Fubara during the political crisis that has affected the state. Ihunwo had earlier been speculated to be the anointed speaker of the house before his disqualification.
Oko-Jumbo and Ihunwo, along with 65 other aspirants, had previously been disqualified by the party's screening committee. Following their disqualification, the affected aspirants petitioned the APC screening appeal committee, which was headed by Abdul Mahmud. The committee had promised to forward its report to the party's National Secretariat, but no official outcome has been communicated.
Final List Favors Wike Loyalists
The final list released by the party cleared the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and 34 other aspirants believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. These cleared aspirants will contest for seats in the 32-member Assembly.
The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chibuike Ikenga, issued a statement on Tuesday night confirming that the final list originated from the party's National Secretariat. He urged aspirants to verify their status at the party's state secretariat in Port Harcourt.
Part of the statement read: “This is to convey to the aspirants, party members and the public the final list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the House of Assembly primary election scheduled as stated above.”
“Kindly note that this is for the information of the aspirants, who need to cross-check with the party through the notice board at the state party secretariat located at No. 268B Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road, PH.”
“Furthermore, this is as released by the National leadership of the party.”
