Fubara In Dilemma As APC Panel Disqualifies All Gov’s Loyalists, Clears Wike’s Allies For Assembly Primaries
By Rotela Oguns
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Screening Committee has disqualified staunch loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and a host of other aspirants from contesting the forthcoming state assembly primaries for the 2027 elections.
Notable among those disqualified from joining the race on the platform of the national ruling party, who are Fubara’s allies, include former factional speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, Rt. Hon.Victor Oko Jumbo, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo and others.
A total of 65 aspirants were disqualified from contesting the forthcoming election.
This development is contained in the report of the screening committee obtained by Peoplestemplate and signed by the chairman, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola and three other members.
According to the report the disqualified aspirants were said to have been screened out for failing to meet the necessary requirements.
Meanwhile, 33 aspirants who are loyalists of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, scaled the hurdle of screening and we’re given the greenlight to pursue their political ambitions on the platform of the APC.
Most of Wike’s allies cleared are incumbent members of Rivers Assembly.
The committee said it had successfully verified the credentials of the cleared aspirants and they met the party’s eligibility criteria to participate in the primaries.
Those cleared to participate in the primaries include; Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, Ofiks K. Christopher, Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville,
Azeru Opara, Igwe Obey Aforji, Opuende Lolo Isaiah, Ukalikpe Napoleon, Hope Ugwumadu, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji, Onyema Rex Nwankwo, Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, Gift Esede Ali, Ejekwu Chisa Nathan and
Peter E. Abbey.
Others include; Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, Barida Alice Samuel, Ohanuna Bright, Kue Yeghene Nwankwo Chimezie C., Emeji Gloria Chika, Ejekwu, Ezebunwo Leslie, Okpokipou Peters, Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, Amadi Promise Amadi, Opuene Thompson Atekebo and Amakri Awowari.
With this development even if Fubara is eventually adopted as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate and wins the 2027 election he will be forced to work with a state assembly dominated by Wike’s loyalists.
The outcome of the screening has also shown that the rift between Fubara and Wike has not been completely settled; it also signals that there are simmering tensions rocking the APC in Rivers State.
If the tensions come to a head it may negatively affect the fortune of the APC in the forthcoming election as some of the disgruntled politicians screened out may leave the party in droves.
