APC Reveals Why 56 Rivers Assembly Aspirants Were Disqualified Ahead of Primaries
APC Reveals Why 56 Rivers Assembly Aspirants Were Disqualified Ahead of Primaries
The Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained the reasons behind the disqualification of 56 aspirants seeking to participate in the party’s forthcoming Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the committee, only 33 out of the 98 aspirants screened between May 9 and 10 were cleared to contest in the APC primary election after meeting the required conditions and party guidelines.
The screening panel, chaired by Muraine Ajibola, stated that many of the affected aspirants failed to satisfy critical requirements outlined in the APC constitution and screening guidelines. Reasons cited for the disqualifications included irregular party membership records, failure to present valid voter cards, submission of unsworn affidavits, conflicting dates of birth, and inconsistencies in submitted documents.
Other reasons listed by the committee included failure by nominators to pay party dues, insufficient nominators per ward, invalid affidavits linked to educational certificates, and alleged attempts to induce members of the screening committee.
Reports indicate that several aspirants believed to be loyal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole were among those disqualified during the exercise.
Notable figures reportedly affected by the screening outcome include former Obio-Akpor Local Government Chairman Chijoke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Sokari Goodboy.
Meanwhile, all 29 serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with the political camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were reportedly cleared to participate in the APC primaries.
The committee maintained that the screening process was conducted transparently and in line with the APC constitution, Electoral Act, and party guidelines. It also disclosed that one aspirant was reported to security agencies over an alleged attempt to bribe members of the screening panel during the exercise.
The development has further heightened political tension in Rivers State as the rivalry between camps loyal to Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike continues to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
