Loyalists of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara are rejecting the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening report, which disqualified 65 aspirants, mostly aligned with Fubara, from contesting the party’s House of Assembly primaries. The screening committee, chaired by Muraina Ajibola, cleared 33 aspirants, largely loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Reasons for disqualification included invalid affidavits, discrepancies in dates of birth, insufficient nominators, and attempted bribery of committee members. Those disqualified include former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and Chijioke Ihunwo, a key Fubara ally.

The development has heightened political tension in Rivers State, with Fubara’s camp claiming the outcome was predetermined. The APC has announced an appeal process, scheduled for May 12, 2026.