The political rift between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has deepened after the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Screening Committee disqualified 32 aspirants believed to be loyal to the governor.
In contrast, all 29 serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with Wike, led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, were cleared by the four-member committee to participate in the party’s 2027 primaries.
The screening exercise, conducted over two days at the APC Secretariat in Port Harcourt, involved a total of 98 aspirants. Presenting its report, the committee chaired by Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola stated that the process was transparent, fair, and in line with the party’s democratic principles.
The report also revealed that the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, has opted to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives instead of seeking another term in the state assembly.
Although the exercise was largely peaceful, the committee reported a minor incident involving Victor Oko-Jumbo, who allegedly attempted to access the venue with a heavy security presence, resulting in a brief confrontation with police officers.
The committee further disclosed that one aspirant was handed over to the police over an alleged attempt to bribe members of the screening panel.
The outcome of the screening has further highlighted the growing political divisions in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
