Rivers APC Disqualifies Fubara Loyalists, Clears Wike Camp Ahead of 2027 Primaries

Fresh political tension has erupted inside the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress after the party released its list of cleared and disqualified aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening outcome immediately triggered controversy after all 32 aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified from participating in the party primaries.

In contrast, incumbent Rivers State House of Assembly members aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were cleared to contest, further deepening the ongoing political divide within the state.

The Rivers APC confirmed that 33 aspirants successfully passed the screening process, while 65 others failed to secure clearance for the primaries.

The development is expected to intensify the already fierce political battle between camps loyal to Fubara and Wike, whose rivalry has continued to dominate Rivers politics since the governor assumed office.

In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, aspirants who purchased House of Assembly Expression of Interest and Nomination forms were advised to check their screening status at the party secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

The party also announced that appeals arising from the screening exercise would be entertained on Tuesday, May 12, at the APC state secretariat.

According to the screening committee’s report, several aspirants were disqualified over alleged irregularities tied to party membership records, nomination procedures and documentation issues.

The committee listed reasons including failure to provide valid voter cards, lack of evidence of membership dues payment, irregular party membership numbers, inconsistencies in submitted documents, unsworn affidavits and invalid NECO-related declarations.

Other allegations included attempted inducement and bribery of committee members, insufficient ward nominations and conflicting dates of birth contained in submitted documents.

The mass disqualification of aspirants linked to the governor’s camp is likely to fuel fresh accusations of political exclusion and internal manipulation as the APC prepares for what is shaping up to be one of Rivers State’s most contentious political cycles in recent history.