The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, alongside 64 other aspirants seeking to contest the party’s state assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings showed that many of the affected aspirants are believed to be loyalists of Siminalayi Fubara.
The screening report, reportedly signed by the committee chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, and three other members, indicated that the disqualified aspirants failed to meet the requirements set by the party for participation in the primaries.
In contrast, 33 aspirants said to be aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were cleared to participate in the exercise. Many of those cleared are serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the committee, the credentials of the successful aspirants were duly verified and found to be in line with the party’s eligibility conditions.
Among those cleared are 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.
Notable among those disqualified is former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and known Fubara ally, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo.
A total of 98 aspirants had purchased nomination forms for the APC state assembly primaries in Rivers State and participated in the screening exercise held at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
The outcome of the screening has further intensified political tensions within the party in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, with observers pointing to a widening divide between supporters of Wike and those loyal to Fubara.
Reacting to the development, a supporter of Governor Fubara warned that the decision could weaken the APC’s chances in the state during the general election.
He said: “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 handle 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.”
