APC Screening Chaos in Rivers – 65 Fubara Loyalists Disqualified as Wike’s Men Sail Through
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APC Screening Controversy in Rivers as 65 Aspirants Allegedly Disqualified.
Port Harcourt — Controversy has emerged within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that dozens of aspirants loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified during the party’s screening exercise for House of Assembly hopefuls.
Ejes Gist News reports that the screening exercise was conducted at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt amid growing tensions within the party linked to the prolonged political dispute between Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
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According to figures circulating among party sources and reports monitored by Ejes Gist News, 98 aspirants participated in the screening exercise. Out of the 98 aspirants, 33 were reportedly cleared, while 65 were disqualified.
Several party insiders alleged that most of the cleared aspirants are believed to be aligned with Wike, while a significant number of those disqualified are associated with Governor Fubara’s political camp. However, the APC has not officially released a breakdown identifying aspirants by political affiliation.
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APC screening panel was chaired by Muraina Ajibola.
Reacting to the reports, the Secretary of the screening committee, Tanko Yamowa, denied claims that the exercise specifically favoured any political bloc within the party.
“We wish to categorically state that the said publication is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the appropriate party authorities,” Yamowa stated.
Despite the denial, discussions surrounding the screening outcome continued across political circles in Rivers State, with concerns raised over the transparency of the process.
Chibuike Ikenga, spokesperson of the APC in Rivers State, acknowledged that reports of disqualifications had generated reactions among party members, although he did not officially confirm claims of targeted screening against any faction.
Grounds Listed for Disqualification
Documents associated with the screening process listed multiple grounds for disqualification, including:
- Alleged inducement and attempted bribery of screening committee members
- Submission of unsworn affidavits
- Failure to provide voter cards
- Failure to present party membership cards or slips
- Conflicting dates of birth on submitted documents
- Inability to confirm payment of membership dues by nominators
- Irregular membership details linked to nominators
- Name inconsistencies across submitted credentials
- Insufficient number of nominators
- Alleged deficiencies relating to affidavit disclosures connected to NECO certificates
The APC has yet to publicly clarify which specific infractions applied to each affected aspirant.
Appeals Expected
Sources within the party told Ejes Gist News that several affected aspirants are preparing appeals against their disqualification.
The development is expected to deepen internal tensions within the Rivers APC ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
Also Read: You Are a Bad Child’ — Wike Blasts Fubara as Rivers Political Crisis Deepens
Political observers say the outcome of the appeals process may determine the balance of influence within the party structure, particularly amid the lingering rivalry between supporters of Governor Fubara and allies of the FCT Minister.
A resident of Port Harcourt who spoke anonymously expressed concern over the prolonged political crisis in the state, arguing that the conflict has weakened public confidence in political leadership across rival camps.
The APC leadership in Rivers State has not issued a comprehensive official statement detailing the final status of all screened aspirants as of the time of filing this report.
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