2027: APC Clears All Aspirants Loyal to Fubara Ahead of Rivers Primaries
The battle for control of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State appears to be deepening ahead of the 2027 elections, following the screening of dozens of aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The APC screening exercise for aspirants seeking tickets into the Rivers State House of Assembly was held on Saturday at the party’s secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
Security around the venue was tight, with several police officers stationed within and around the premises during the exercise.
Despite earlier fears of possible intimidation, aspirants aligned with Fubara successfully participated in the process and were reportedly cleared by the party’s screening committee.
The development comes after claims circulated on social media that loyalists of the governor could face harassment during the exercise due to the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who remains a dominant figure in Rivers politics.
However, police authorities at the venue dismissed such claims. The Assistant Commissioner of Police supervising the deployment said officers were present strictly to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the screening.
At the end of the exercise, no fewer than 32 aspirants believed to be loyal to Fubara were reportedly approved to proceed in the race for Assembly tickets.
Among those screened were former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, and Victor Oko Jumbo, who currently represents Bonny Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Others cleared include Sokari Goodboy Sokari, Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, Tonye Briggs Oniyide, Samuel Reginald Sokari, Chime Egwuma Ezebalike, Emejim Wisdom Chiemele, Vincent Reuben Obu, Amua Isioma Henry and Nnwoziri Chukwuemeka Bishop Best.
Also screened were Fugbara Goodluck Ohaka, Kpeden Kenneth, Bobby Frank Abayomi, Weche Ndubuisi Raymond, Onyema Loveday Hechiaru and Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo.
The list further included Luke Mobene Eneriene, Bellor Kingsley Waite, Oba Fred Ajubolaka, Claudius Princewill, Cline Tamunodiepriye Abdurrazaq, Chigozie Emem, Morris Prince Lelesi, Jolly Benjamin Ngbor and Prince Achor.
Others are Tyger Enemeniya Dumo, Ideye Granville, Gift Okere, Nwankwoala Paul, Lezina Ngbor and Chris Okey Ochije.
Some politicians believed to be loyal to Wike, including members of the faction of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, were also screened during the exercise.
Political observers say the latest development signals an emerging power contest within the APC in Rivers State, especially as both the Fubara and Wike camps continue moves to strengthen their hold on the party structure ahead of the primaries.
Meanwhile, attention also shifted to the governorship screening, where APC governorship hopefuls appeared before the panel on Saturday.
Among those screened were former governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and Dax Alabo George. Chinda and George are both considered close allies of Wike.
