The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified the former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and 64 other aspirants from contesting the forthcoming State Assembly primaries.
Daily Trust gathered that most of the disqualified aspirants are core loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The screening committee report, signed by the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, and three other members, stated that the aspirants were screened out for failing to meet requirements, citing reasons such as invalid affidavits and conflicting dates of birth or nominations.
Conversely, 33 aspirants loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike-most of whom are incumbent members of the Rivers Assembly-were cleared to participate.
The Ajibola committee said it had successfully verified the credentials of these aspirants, confirming they met the party’s eligibility criteria.
Those cleared to participate 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 Amakiri Awowari.
Prominent among the disqualified aspirants is Chijioke Ihunwo, the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government and a core loyalist of Governor Fubara.
Our correspondent reports that a total of 98 aspirants obtained nomination forms and underwent screening at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
The outcome has further heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Wike’s loyalists appear to have successfully navigated the screening while those aligned with Fubara were excluded.
An APC chieftain in Rivers State, supporting Governor Fubara, told Daily Trust on the condition of anonymity that the party’s current trajectory could pave the way for opposition parties to seize the state in 2027.
‘You cannot just drive out your key mobilizers because you want to please a particular interest and expect them to work for the success of the same people who oppressed them,’ he said. ‘If this is not handled well, the APC has just shot itself in the foot.’
Panel secretary, party spokesman clash over report
Confusion has engulfed the screening results as the Secretary of the Screening Committee, Hon. Tanko Yamowa, and the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chibike Ikenga, differ on the outcome.
While the state leadership initially suggested the report was finalized, Hon. Tanko Yamowa disclaimed the leaked list, describing it as false and unauthorized.
He noted that the exercise led by Muraina Ajibola concluded less than 24 hours ago and no official list had been released.
However, the Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, dismissed Yamowa’s disclaimer as ‘fake news,’ insisting the report is out.
‘The report is out,’ Ikenga told Daily Trust. ‘If you read our statement, we indicated that tomorrow is the day for appeals. Disqualified aspirants should approach the appeal committee at the national or state secretariat to challenge their status.’