The All Progressives Congress has disqualified more than 60 aspirants allegedly linked to Siminalayi Fubara from participating in the party’s 2027 Rivers State House of Assembly primaries, deepening the political crisis within the state’s APC structure ahead of the general election.
A screening report released by the national secretariat of the APC showed that dozens of aspirants across several constituencies in Rivers State failed to secure clearance to contest in the upcoming assembly primaries.
Many of those affected are believed to be loyalists of Governor Fubara amid the prolonged political rivalry between camps loyal to the governor and supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Among the aspirants reportedly disqualified are Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo, Tamunodiepriye Fubara, Goodluck Ohaka, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, Prince Emukighro Fubara and Tamunobaraiba George.
The screening list indicated that aspirants from multiple constituencies were affected by the exercise, including:
- Okrika
- Khana
- Omuma
- Ahoada East
- Obio/Akpor
- Ikwerre
- Andoni
- Akuku-Toru
Political observers say the development could further widen divisions within the APC in Rivers State as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
While many Fubara-linked aspirants were screened out, the APC cleared 33 aspirants to participate in the assembly primaries.
Several of those cleared are believed to be allies of Wike, including Maol Dumle, Tonye Smart Adoki, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji and Arnold O. Davids.
The latest move comes only days after several aspirants aligned with Governor Fubara were also reportedly excluded from the APC Senate and House of Representatives primaries in Rivers State.
The political battle between supporters of Governor Fubara and Wike has continued to dominate Rivers politics since the fallout between both camps.
Analysts believe the outcome of the APC screening process may significantly shape the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.
The development has already triggered reactions among party members and political stakeholders, with concerns growing over possible internal disputes and legal challenges arising from the screening exercise.
