The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has released the final list of cleared and disqualified aspirants ahead of its 2027 State House of Assembly primaries.
The screening outcome has intensified political tensions in the state after all aspirants linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were reportedly disqualified.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has cleared loyalists of Nyesom Wike while disqualifying all aspirants believed to be aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the party’s 2027 State House of Assembly primaries.
According to the list released by the party, 33 aspirants were cleared to contest in the primaries, while 65 others failed the screening process.
Among those affected were 32 aspirants reportedly associated with Governor Fubara’s political camp.
Meanwhile, incumbent lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly considered loyal to Wike were successfully cleared by the screening committee.
In a statement issued by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, aspirants who purchased the House of Assembly Expression of Interest and Nomination forms were advised to confirm their status at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.
The statement noted that appeals arising from the screening exercise should be submitted through the party secretariat.
According to the APC, the appeal process is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m.
The screening committee also outlined several reasons for the disqualification of affected aspirants.
Some of the reasons listed include:
- Failure to provide valid voter cards
- Submission of unsworn affidavits
- Inconsistencies in names and dates of birth
- Failure to present party membership slips or cards
- Irregular membership details of nominators
- Insufficient nominations from wards
- Invalid affidavits relating to NECO certificates
- Alleged inducement and attempted bribery of committee members
The development comes amid the ongoing political rivalry between supporters of Governor Fubara and loyalists of former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike.
Political observers believe the latest screening outcome could further deepen divisions within the Rivers APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC screening exercise in Rivers State has added another layer to the political battle between camps loyal to Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
