APC Screening Deepens Rift Between Fubara and Wike in Rivers State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening for the 2027 elections in Rivers State, Nigeria, has intensified political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike. While Fubara faced a cold reception during his gubernatorial vetting, the party’s committee disqualified all 32 of his loyalists aspiring for the State House of Assembly, while clearing Wike’s allies. This decisive move marginalizes the Governor’s faction, prompting rejections of the results by his supporters and highlighting a severe internal power struggle within the ruling party ahead of the upcoming general elections.
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APC House Reps Challenge Primary Losses Amid Internal Crisis
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria is facing a severe internal crisis following its House of Representatives primaries for the 2027 general elections. At least 26 serving lawmakers lost their nomination tickets, sparking widespread controversy and allegations of vote manipulation, candidate imposition, and undemocratic consensus engineering. The fallout has exposed deep fractures within the party, particularly in states like Rivers, Edo, and Kwara, where powerful governors and political godfathers are vying for control. In Rivers State, disqualifications have intensified the rift between factions loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Prominent figures, including House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere in Edo State, have rejected results, citing violence and procedural violations. Ihonvbere and others have threatened legal action, arguing that the primaries failed to meet democratic standards set by President Bola Tinubu. The APC National Publicity Secretary confirmed several disqualifications but did not provide detailed reasons, leading to accusations that the screening process is being weaponized to settle political scores rather than assess competence.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsAPC Releases List of Disqualified House of Representatives Aspirants in Five States
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has published a list of House of Representatives aspirants who were disqualified or marked as 'not cleared' during the screening process for the 2027 general election primaries. The announcement, made by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, affects candidates in Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi, and Rivers states. The screening was conducted by party committees in accordance with established guidelines, though specific reasons for individual disqualifications were not provided. Notable disqualified figures include Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen in Ondo and Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara in Rivers. In contrast to these disqualifications, the article notes that Jamila Mani won the APC primary for the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency in Katsina State. Additionally, the report highlights logistical challenges in Adamawa State, where direct primaries were disrupted in several wards due to the absence of officials, leaving party members waiting without communication. These developments are part of the broader preparatory activities for Nigeria's upcoming 2027 general elections.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsAPC Disqualifies Two Rivers Lawmakers and Fubara Loyalists from Primaries
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified two serving members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Awaji Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, from participating in the party's upcoming primaries. The decision, confirmed by the party's national leadership, also affects other aspirants identified as loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including Air Commodore John Opera (retd.) and Anderson Igbiki. Abiante, a prominent politician who previously purchased a governorship form for Fubara, was among those dropped. The final list of aspirants, released on Friday, May 15, 2026, cleared 21 candidates to contest in the primaries scheduled for May 16, 2026. Notably, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, was approved to vie for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat, aiming to replace Kingsley Chinda. Chibike Ikenga, the APC State Publicity Secretary, issued a statement urging all aspirants to comply with the published list. This move highlights internal factional tensions within the APC in Rivers State ahead of the elections.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsAPC Disqualifies Four Fubara Loyalists, Clears 21 for Rivers House of Representatives Primaries
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially disqualified four candidates aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from participating in the upcoming House of Representatives primaries scheduled for May 16, 2026. The party released its final list of aspirants on Friday, confirming that prominent figures, including serving National Assembly members Awaji Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, as well as Air Commodore John Opera (retired) and Hon. Anderson Igbiki, were not cleared to contest. Conversely, the APC approved 21 aspirants to compete in the primaries. Among those cleared is Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who is vying for the Obio/Apor Federal Constituency seat currently held by his kinsman, Kingsley Chinda. Chibike Ikenga, the APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, issued a statement in Port Harcourt confirming the list released by the party's national leadership. He urged all aspirants to note the decisions and comply accordingly ahead of the election. This development highlights ongoing internal political dynamics within the APC in Rivers State, particularly concerning factions loyal to the state governor versus the party's central leadership directives.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsFubara Loyalists Reject APC Screening Report for Rivers Assembly
Loyalists of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have rejected the screening report issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) committee for the 2027 House of Assembly elections. The report, released in Port Harcourt, cleared 33 aspirants while disqualifying 65 others. Notably, all 32 aspirants aligned with Governor Fubara, including former factional speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, were disqualified. In contrast, 28 serving assembly members loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, such as Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, were cleared to contest the primaries. The four-man committee, chaired by Ajibola Muraina, cited reasons for disqualification including unpaid membership dues, missing voter cards, and attempted bribery by one aspirant, Tonye Garrick Tom-George. The committee described the process as transparent and peaceful, despite a minor incident involving Oko-Jumbo and police. Fubara’s supporters contend the report is biased, favoring Wike-aligned candidates while systematically excluding the governor’s allies. This development intensifies the political rift within the APC in Rivers State ahead of the upcoming general elections, highlighting deep internal divisions between the state executive and federal appointees.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsRivers APC Committee Dismisses List of State Assembly Aspirants
The All Progressives Congress (APC) committee in Rivers State has officially dismissed a previously circulated list detailing cleared and uncleared aspirants for the state assembly primaries. This development follows earlier reports indicating that the committee had screened a total of 98 individuals and released a roster distinguishing between successful and unsuccessful candidates. The dismissal of this list suggests significant procedural adjustments or controversies within the party's internal selection process for the upcoming elections. By invalidating the initial screening results, the committee may be addressing concerns regarding fairness, transparency, or adherence to party guidelines. This action highlights the dynamic and often contentious nature of political primaries in Nigeria, particularly within the APC in Rivers State, a region known for intense political competition. The decision impacts nearly one hundred aspirants who underwent the screening process, leaving their candidacy status uncertain pending further directives from the party leadership. This event underscores the ongoing organizational challenges and strategic maneuvering characteristic of Nigerian political parties as they prepare for electoral contests.
Vanguard NewsAPC Rejects 32 Fubara Loyalists Amid Deepening Rift with Wike
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the nomination forms of thirty-two loyalists aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decisive action underscores the intensifying political crisis within the party, driven by a deepening rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The rejection signals a significant consolidation of power by the Wike faction within the state chapter of the APC, effectively marginalizing the Governor's supporters ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Amidst this turmoil, reports indicate that the House Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, has picked up nomination forms for the House of Representatives, suggesting potential shifts in legislative alliances. This development highlights the fragile nature of political coalitions in Rivers State and raises concerns about internal party democracy and stability. The conflict between the two prominent political figures continues to dominate the local political landscape, influencing candidate selections and party structures. Observers note that this exclusion could lead to further defections or legal battles, as the struggle for control over the party machinery in Rivers State becomes increasingly contentious and polarized.
Vanguard NewsRivers APC Clears 33 Assembly Aspirants, Disqualifies 65 in Screening Exercise
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has concluded its screening exercise for State House of Assembly aspirants, resulting in the clearance of 33 candidates and the disqualification of 65 others. The process, which ended on May 10, 2026, saw all 29 incumbent lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike successfully cleared to participate in the 2027 primaries. Notably, House Speaker Martin Amaewhule opted to seek a seat in the House of Representatives instead. The screening committee cited various reasons for disqualifications, including financial delinquency in party membership, attempted bribery, submission of unsworn affidavits, missing voter cards or membership slips, conflicting birth dates, documentation irregularities, and invalid nominators. This development highlights the internal dynamics within the Rivers APC as it prepares for upcoming elections, with significant influence attributed to Wike's loyalists among the cleared incumbents. The final report was obtained by journalists on May 11, 2026, providing a comprehensive list of those approved and rejected for the party's ticket.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsRivers State Governor Fubara Declines Comment After APC Screening
Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State in Nigeria, refused to speak to journalists after undergoing screening by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship committee in Abuja. The event took place on a Sunday at the Plateau State Governors’ Lodge as part of the mandatory vetting process for incumbent governors seeking re-election under the party’s banner for the upcoming 2027 general elections. When approached by the media for remarks regarding his appearance and the screening outcome, Governor Fubara briefly responded with "No comment" and maintained silence. The screening committee was chaired by Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the APC. This development occurs against the backdrop of significant political dynamics and ongoing developments within Rivers State as the region prepares for the next electoral cycle. The article highlights the governor's stoic demeanor during this critical procedural step in his bid for a second term, emphasizing the tension or strategic silence often observed in high-stakes political screenings within Nigerian politics.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsAPC Clears 33 Aspirants for Rivers Assembly, Dominated by Wike Loyalists
The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee in Rivers State has cleared 33 aspirants for the 2027 State House of Assembly elections, marking a significant victory for loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Following a two-day screening exercise in Port Harcourt, the committee approved all 29 serving assembly members aligned with Wike, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol. Conversely, the panel disqualified 65 candidates, notably excluding all 32 aspirants supported by current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, such as former factional speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. The process involved screening 98 total applicants and was described by the committee as transparent and orderly, despite minor incidents. One aspirant, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, was handed over to police for attempting to bribe committee members, while Oko-Jumbo faced security disputes for entering with unauthorized aides. The disqualifications were based on various procedural failures, including incomplete documentation, unpaid party dues, and invalid affidavits. This outcome intensifies the political rift between the Wike and Fubara factions within the APC in Rivers State, setting the stage for contentious primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsFubara's Camp Rattled as APC Committee Fails to Clear Aspirants in Rivers State
The political camp of Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria, has been thrown into a state of concern and uncertainty following the recent outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening process. The party's committee responsible for vetting candidates aspiring to become State lawmakers failed to clear several key aspirants aligned with the Governor's faction. This development has caused significant anxiety within Fubara's political circle, as it potentially weakens their influence and representation in the upcoming legislative elections. The screening exercise, which was intended to finalize the list of candidates for the state assembly, has instead highlighted internal divisions and strategic setbacks for the Governor's supporters. The failure to secure clearance for these aspirants suggests potential challenges in the APC's internal cohesion in Rivers State. As the political landscape shifts, this event underscores the intense competition and maneuvering characteristic of Nigerian state-level politics, particularly within the ruling party structures in the Niger Delta region.
Vanguard NewsAPC Evasive Over Fubara’s Screening for Rivers 2027 Elections
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara appeared before the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening committee in Abuja, an event central to preparations for the 2027 elections. However, the proceedings were marked by tension as Fubara left the venue visibly upset and refused to provide comments to the press. The APC has subsequently adopted an evasive stance regarding the details and outcomes of the screening process. This incident highlights the ongoing political friction and strategic maneuvering within the party as it seeks to consolidate its position in Rivers State, a key political battleground in Nigeria. The lack of transparency from the party leadership has fueled speculation about internal discord and the viability of Fubara’s candidacy under the APC banner. As stakeholders await further clarification, the situation underscores the complex dynamics influencing Nigerian electoral politics leading up to the 2027 general elections. The event draws significant attention due to Fubara's prominent role and the historical significance of Rivers State in national politics.
Premium Times NigeriaTension Marks APC Screening for Rivers Governorship as Fubara Faces Cold Reception
The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted screening exercises for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, marked by significant political tension. Current Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly received a cold reception from the screening committee led by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, causing him to leave the venue abruptly. In contrast, allies of former Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, including Kingsley Chinda and Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, were assessed without incident. This development highlights the ongoing power struggle within the party in Rivers State, where Wike has vowed to prevent Fubara’s re-election. The screening process is part of the APC’s broader primary schedule, with reports due for release and appeals scheduled shortly after. The Independent National Electoral Commission has set the governorship elections for February 6, 2027. The incident underscores the deep rift between Fubara and Wike, influencing the party’s candidate selection process and potentially shaping the political landscape in the oil-rich state ahead of the upcoming polls.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsFubara Expresses Displeasure Over Poor Reception After APC Screening
In Rivers State, Nigeria, political tensions have surfaced within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party's screening process for the upcoming governorship primary election. The party has officially screened two prominent aspirants: Nyesom Wike Fubara and Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives. Reports indicate that Fubara is displeased with the reception he received during or after the screening exercise. This development highlights internal dynamics and potential friction among contenders vying for the APC gubernatorial ticket in the state. The screening marks a significant step in the party's selection process, narrowing down the field of candidates. As the primary election approaches, the reaction of key figures like Fubara suggests that the contest may be highly competitive and potentially contentious. The outcome of this primary will determine the APC's candidate for the Rivers State governorship, a position of significant political influence in the Niger Delta region. Observers are closely monitoring how these internal party reactions might impact campaign strategies and party unity leading up to the general elections.
Vanguard NewsAPC Fails to Confirm Governor Fubara's Status Amid 2027 Preparations
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed to confirm the political status of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, intensifying speculation surrounding his future within the party. This development occurs against the backdrop of the APC's early preparations for the 2027 governorship elections in Nigeria. The party's evasive response to inquiries regarding Fubara's standing has deepened the suspense, making his political fate one of the most closely monitored subplots in the current political landscape. Observers note that the uncertainty reflects broader internal dynamics and strategic calculations within the APC as it positions itself for upcoming electoral cycles. The lack of clarity from the party hierarchy has left stakeholders and the public in a state of anticipation, highlighting the complex relationship between the state governor and the national party leadership. This situation underscores the high stakes involved in Nigerian regional politics and the intricate power struggles that often define party affiliations and electoral alliances in the lead-up to major voting periods.
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