APC Screening Rocks Rivers: Fubara Loyalists Disqualified, Wike Allies Cleared for 2027 Primaries

By Tgnews Reporter

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has triggered fresh political turmoil after its screening committee disqualified former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, and 64 other aspirants from contesting the 2027 state assembly primaries.

According to the screening report in circulation on social media and signed by the committee chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, the disqualified aspirants mostly core loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to meet the party’s eligibility requirements.

In contrast, 33 aspirants aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were cleared to participate in the primaries. The cleared candidates are predominantly incumbent members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

A total of 98 aspirants had purchased nomination forms and underwent screening at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

The development has significantly heightened political tensions in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections. A supporter of Governor Fubara, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, warned that the mass disqualification could damage the APC’s chances in Rivers, describing it as a move that favours one interest group at the expense of party unity.

“You cannot just push out your key mobilizers from the party because you want to please a particular interest,” the supporter said. “If not handled well, APC has just shot itself in the foot.”

The screening outcome further deepens the lingering rift between the camps of Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, within the APC structure in Rivers State.