APC Clears 33 Rivers Assembly Aspirants, Disqualifies 65 Loyal To Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections has approved 33 aspirants while disqualifying 65 others ahead of the party primaries.

The screening exercise was led by Muraina Ajibola, who chaired the committee responsible for reviewing the candidates.

In total, 98 individuals bought nomination forms to contest for the 32 available seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The final report was signed by Ajibola, the committee secretary Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel.

One member, Ayuba Audu, was not present during the exercise on Monday, May 11, 2026.

According to the committee, the 65 aspirants who were rejected did not meet the required conditions for screening.

It stated that some of the disqualifications were due to issues such as alleged bribery attempts, submission of incomplete or unsworn documents, lack of voter identification cards, and failure to present valid party membership records.

Other reasons included inconsistent dates of birth, unclear or irregular party membership details of sponsors, insufficient endorsements, and mismatched information on submitted forms.

The committee also noted that some candidates failed to properly declare details linked to their educational certificates.

It explained that the screening process was conducted in a fair and orderly manner, giving all aspirants equal opportunity to defend their submissions.

“All aspirants were invited to appear before the Committee with the originals of their credentials and supporting documents earlier submitted to the Party,” the report reads.

“Each aspirant was afforded the opportunity to personally address the Committee and respond to questions relating to educational qualifications, political experience, party membership, nominations by party members, constituency engagement, and other relevant matters.”

The committee also reviewed proof of party membership and participation in APC activities before making its decisions.

Among those not cleared were aspirants reportedly associated with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governorship candidate Tonye Cole.

Some of the affected candidates from the Fubara group include Chijioke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Sokari Goodboy.

The report also claimed that Victor Oko-Jumbo caused tension at the screening venue after allegedly insisting on entering with security personnel.

On the other hand, all 33 approved aspirants were said to be aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Rivers APC advised all aspirants to check the official notice board for their screening results.

Party spokesperson Chibike Ikenga also said that anyone wishing to challenge the outcome could submit an appeal through the party secretariat on May 12.

Meanwhile, concerns continue to be raised about the screening process ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the committee would release its full report after completing its work.

Basiru noted that the screening process involves reviewing all candidates who appear before it before final conclusions are made.

“I don’t know what you mean by screen because it appears that anybody that appeared before the screening committee, of course, is necessary as part of the process,” he said.

“After appearing before the screening committee, the screening committee will issue its report.

“As of now, the screening committee, when it has completed, seeing everybody it’s supposed to see, will now sit down and come out with a report of the screening committee.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.