The Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified all 32 aspirants reportedly backed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and two other lawmakers loyal to the governor.
Cleared Aspirants
The committee cleared the 29 serving lawmakers aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to participate in the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 Assembly election. Speaker of the House Martin Amaewhule was also said to have obtained the party’s nomination form to contest the House of Representatives seat.
Screening Exercise Details
A total of 98 aspirants appeared before the four-member screening panel constituted by the APC National Working Committee. The exercise was conducted over the weekend at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt. The committee’s report, signed by Muraina Ajibola (Chairman), Ishaku Tanko Yamawo (Secretary), Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel, described the process as “transparent, orderly and participatory.”
The committee noted that Victor Oko-Jumbo attempted to gain access to the venue with security aides, leading to a disagreement with police. It also alleged that one aspirant attempted to bribe members and was handed over to the police.
Dispute Over Report
APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Chubike Ikenga, circulated copies of the report. However, after the state leadership announced the submission, Screening Committee Secretary Tanko Yamowa disclaimed the report, calling it false and unauthorized. He urged party faithful to disregard it, calling it the work of mischief makers.
Ikenga accused Yamowa of spreading falsehood, maintaining that Fubara loyalists were disqualified and advised them to approach the party’s appeal panel.
