The All Progressives Congress screening panel has barred 65 aspirants from running in Rivers State assembly primaries scheduled for 2027.
Among those disqualified is former factional Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo. The panel, chaired by Rt.
Hon. Muraina Ajibola, cited failure to meet necessary requirements as grounds for the rejections.
Most of the blocked candidates are known supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They failed to clear the verification process, according to the committee's findings.
In contrast, 33 aspirants aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike received approval to proceed. Many of them currently serve in the Rivers Assembly.
Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, and Nwabochi Frankline are among those cleared.
Ofiks K. Christopher and Enemi Alabo George also made the list.
Others approved include Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville, and Azeru Opara.
Igwe Obey Aforji, Opuende Lolo Isaiah, and Ukalikpe Napoleon were equally cleared.
Hope Ugwumadu and Kenneth Minimah secured their slots as well. Justina Aniton Okorji and Onyema Rex Nwankwo also qualified.
Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, and Gift Esede Ali made the cut. Peter E.
Abbey joined the approved list too.
Loolo Bulabari Henrietta became the first woman cleared to contest. Barida Alice Samuel and Ohanuna Bright also qualified.
Kue Yeghene Nwankwo and Chimezie C. gained approval from the panel. Emeji Gloria Chika, Ezebunwo Leslie, and Okpokipou Peters followed.
Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C.
Oforji, and Amadi Promise Amadi were cleared. Opuene Thompson Atekebo and Amakri Awowari round out the approved aspirants.
Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo, former Obio/Akpor council chairman, faced disqualification. He's a prominent Fubara ally.
A total of 98 candidates submitted nomination forms for the exercise. Screening took place at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt last weekend.
Political tensions have escalated considerably in Rivers ahead of 2027. Wike's faction appears to have dominated the approval process.
A Fubara supporter expressed deep concern to our reporters about the outcome. He warned that the move could backfire against the party.
"You cannot push out your mobilizers just to satisfy one faction," he noted. "They will not work for those who oppressed them."
According to him, the party risked shooting itself in the foot. Opposition parties could exploit this division during the general election, he suggested.
The screening outcome has widened the rift between the two APC camps. How the party manages this crisis will determine its 2027 performance.
