The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled the list of aspirants cleared and disqualified ahead of its primaries for the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what appears to be a fierce political showdown within the party.
In a statement released by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, the APC disclosed that 33 aspirants successfully passed the screening process, while 65 others were disqualified.
Notably, all 32 aspirants believed to be aligned with Siminalayi Fubara were barred from participating in the primaries, a move likely to deepen the political rift within the state chapter of the party.
On the other hand, serving lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly said to be loyal to Nyesom Wike were reportedly cleared by the screening committee.
Ikenga urged all aspirants who obtained House of Assembly Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to verify their screening status at the APC state secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
He further announced that dissatisfied aspirants have been granted the opportunity to challenge the outcome of the exercise through an appeal process scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m. at the party secretariat.
Among those cleared for the primaries 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, Peter E. Abbey, alongside several others.
Also cleared were Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, Barida Alice Samuel, Ohanuna Bright, Kue Yeghene Nwankwo Chimezie C., Emeji Gloria Chika, Ezebunwo Leslie Ejekwu, Okpokipou Peters, Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, Amadi Promise Amadi, Opuene Thompson Atekebo, and Amakri Awowari.
One of the most prominent figures disqualified was former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman and staunch Fubara ally, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo.
According to the screening committee’s report, the disqualifications stemmed from multiple issues, including failure to satisfy party membership criteria, discrepancies in submitted documents, absence of valid voter’s cards, incomplete nomination paperwork, conflicting birth records, and irregularities involving affidavits and academic certificates.
The committee also alleged that some aspirants attempted to influence the screening process through inducement and bribery.