The APC screening committee has cleared 33 loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike while disqualifying 65 aspirants aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including factional Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo, ahead of the Rivers State Assembly primaries.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has disqualified Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, the former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with 64 other aspirants, from contesting the upcoming state assembly primaries for the 2027 elections. The report, signed by committee chairman Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, indicates that the disqualified individuals failed to meet the party’s necessary requirements. Notably, the majority of those screened out are identified as core loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo, the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor local government.
In contrast, the committee cleared 33 aspirants who are predominantly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Most of the successful candidates are incumbent members of the Rivers State Assembly, such as Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, and Azeru Opara. The committee stated that it had successfully verified the credentials of these cleared aspirants and confirmed they met the party’s eligibility criteria, effectively granting Wike’s camp a significant advantage in the internal party transition ahead of the general elections.
The mass disqualification has significantly heightened political tension within the state, leading to warnings of a potential backlash at the polls. A supporter of Governor Fubara expressed concerns that the party’s decision could alienate key mobilizers, stating: “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.” Critics within the party suggest that if these grievances are not addressed, the APC may have “shot itself in the foot,” potentially clearing a path for opposition parties to triumph in Rivers State in 2027.
READ THE FULL STORY IN DAILY TRUST
NEWS NOW:
