By Andrew Emmanuel
The political tension between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has intensified following the disqualification of 32 governorship-backed aspirants in the Rivers State House of Assembly screening exercise conducted under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A screening committee of the All Progressives Congress reportedly cleared all 29 serving lawmakers said to be loyal to Wike, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to contest the party’s 2027 Assembly primaries. The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, was also said to have picked nomination forms for the House of Representatives.
In total, 98 aspirants were screened during the two-day exercise held at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt. A copy of the committee’s report, signed by Hon. Muraina Ajibola (Chairman), Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo (Secretary), Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Hon. Danjuma Samuel, confirmed the process was conducted under what it described as a “transparent and orderly” procedure.
The panel said it discharged its assignment with fairness and adherence to party principles, noting that most aspirants conducted themselves peacefully during the exercise. However, it cited isolated incidents, including a confrontation involving Mr. Victor Oko-Jumbo, who allegedly attempted to enter the venue with security aides, leading to a brief standoff with police officers.
The committee also alleged an attempt to influence the process, claiming that an aspirant, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, submitted an envelope containing cash alongside his documents. The matter was reportedly handed over to security agencies.
Among those disqualified were several lawmakers considered loyal to Governor Fubara, including Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, Timothy Orubibanugha, and Chijiole Ihunwo, among others.
The committee, however, cleared about 30 aspirants, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Majority Leader Major Jack, and House spokesman Enemi Alabo George, to proceed to the APC primaries.
It explained that disqualifications were based on factors such as non-payment of party dues, alleged bribery attempts, incomplete documentation, failure to provide valid voter cards, discrepancies in personal data, and insufficient nominators.
The report further stated that some submissions contained inconsistent names, invalid affidavits, and irregular party membership records, which contributed to the screening outcome.
The panel maintained that it acted within the APC constitution and guidelines, insisting that the exercise reflected internal democratic processes of the party, even as the development is expected to further deepen political divisions within Rivers State’s already tense political landscape.
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