Fresh political tension is brewing within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the party’s screening committee disqualified 56 aspirants from participating in the forthcoming House of Assembly primary election.

The screening exercise, conducted between May 9 and 10, cleared only 33 out of the 98 aspirants who appeared before the committee.

According to the committee’s report dated May 10, the affected aspirants failed to meet several requirements outlined by the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The report was signed by the chairman of the screening committee, Muraine Ajibola, alongside committee secretary Ishake Yamawe and member Danjuma Samuel.

Fubara, Tonye Cole Allies Among Those Disqualified

In a development expected to deepen existing divisions within the Rivers APC, several aspirants linked to the camps of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governorship candidate Tonye Cole were among those denied clearance.

Notable names affected include Chijoke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo and Sokari Goodboy.

The committee maintained that the exercise was conducted fairly and transparently, insisting that all aspirants were given equal opportunity during the screening process.

According to the report, the committee discharged its responsibilities “with diligence, fairness, transparency, and fidelity to the democratic ideals and progressive principles of the party.”

Drama At Screening Venue

The exercise, however, was not entirely without controversy.

The committee accused one of the aspirants, Victor Oko-Jumbo, of causing disruption after allegedly insisting on entering the screening venue with multiple security aides.

The situation reportedly led to a disagreement with police officers stationed at the venue before security personnel eventually restored order.

The report stated that the screening process continued peacefully afterward.

In another dramatic twist, the committee revealed that an aspirant identified as Tonye Garrick Tom-George allegedly attempted to bribe members of the screening panel.

According to the committee, the aspirant allegedly submitted an envelope containing money alongside his passport photograph in what was described as an attempt to influence the screening outcome.

The matter was reportedly handed over to the police for investigation.

Why Aspirants Were Disqualified

The committee listed several reasons for the mass disqualification, including incomplete documentation, irregular party membership details and inconsistencies in submitted records.

Among the reasons cited were failure to present voter cards, submission of unsworn affidavits, conflicting birth dates, invalid NECO-related affidavits and inability to provide the required number of qualified nominators.

The committee also cited unpaid membership dues by nominators and discrepancies in names appearing across official documents.

According to the report, some aspirants were also disqualified for presenting party membership details that could not be properly verified.

33 Aspirants Cleared

Despite the widespread disqualifications, the committee cleared 33 aspirants to participate in the APC primaries.

Among those cleared are serving Deputy Speaker Maol Dumle, House Leader Major Jack and House spokesman Enemi Alabo George, alongside 30 other aspirants.

The committee concluded that the screening exercise substantially complied with the APC constitution and guidelines, describing the process as a reflection of the party’s democratic principles.

The latest development is expected to further intensify political realignments and internal battles within the Rivers APC as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.