APC Betrays Fubara Following Disqualification Of Loyalists While Wike’s Allies Get Easy Pass To Contest Rivers Elective Offices
Political tension has intensified within the Rivers State chapter of the APC following the disqualification of 65 aspirants, including former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, from participating in the party’s state assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
Most of the affected aspirants are believed to be loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, fueling accusations that the party structure is being manipulated in favour of allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the screening committee report signed by chairman Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola and three other members, the aspirants were disqualified for allegedly failing to meet the party’s eligibility requirements.
Meanwhile, 33 aspirants linked to Wike were cleared to contest the primaries, with many of them currently serving as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The committee stated that the cleared aspirants successfully passed credential verification and met all conditions required to participate in the exercise.
Among those cleared 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 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 Amakri Awowari.
Prominent among the disqualified aspirants is former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman and strong Fubara ally, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo.
A total of 98 aspirants had obtained nomination forms and participated in the screening exercise conducted at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
The development has further heightened the political crisis within the Rivers APC, as supporters of Fubara accuse the party of sidelining the governor’s camp while giving Wike’s loyalists a smooth path through the screening process.
A supporter of Fubara warned that the move could damage the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections and create an opening for a stronger opposition force in the state.
“You cannot push out your key mobilisers from the party because you want to satisfy a particular interest and still expect them to work for the success of the same people who oppressed them,” the source said.
“Though we are handling it internally as a party matter, if it is not managed properly, APC may have shot itself in the foot, and the consequences could be felt during the general election.”
