Fresh cracks have emerged in the political battle for control of Rivers State as the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress reportedly disqualified dozens of aspirants loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the party’s 2027 State House of Assembly primaries.
A screening list released by the APC showed that more than 60 aspirants failed to secure clearance to contest the primaries across several constituencies in the state.
Many of those affected are believed to be loyalists of Governor Fubara and key members of his political structure amid the lingering power struggle in Rivers politics.
Among the aspirants reportedly screened out are Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo, Tamunodiepriye Fubara Goodluck Ohaka, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, Prince Emukighro Fubara, and Tamunobaraiba George.
The affected constituencies include Okrika, Khana, Omuma, Ahoada East, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Andoni, and Akuku-Toru.
While dozens were disqualified, the APC cleared 33 aspirants to participate in the assembly primaries, with many of those approved said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Those cleared by the party include Maol Dumle, Tonye Smart Adoki, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji, and Arnold O. Davids.
The latest development comes only days after several aspirants allegedly aligned with Governor Fubara were also screened out of the APC senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in Rivers State.
This development is expected to further intensify the political tension and supremacy battle within the Rivers APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
