Fresh political tension has erupted within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress after the party disqualified four loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from participating in the House of Representatives primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The decision was contained in the final list of aspirants released by the APC and confirmed by the party’s leadership in the state. Among those denied clearance are serving members of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, both widely regarded as strong allies of Governor Fubara. Also disqualified were retired Air Commodore John Opera and Anderson Igbiki.
The development has intensified the ongoing political rivalry between supporters of Governor Fubara and loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence continues to dominate the APC structure in Rivers State...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
While the four aspirants were screened out, the party cleared 21 others to participate in the primaries, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. Amaewhule is seeking to contest for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat currently occupied by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.
The APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chibike Ikenga, confirmed the release of the final list in a statement issued in Port Harcourt. He explained that the list was approved by the national leadership of the party and urged all aspirants to comply with the outcome of the screening process. According to him, the exercise was conducted in line with party guidelines ahead of the primaries.
The latest development comes only days after the APC screening committee cleared dozens of aspirants loyal to Wike for the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries while disqualifying several aspirants linked to Governor Fubara. Political observers believe the pattern further reflects the deepening internal divisions and power struggle shaping Rivers politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The political crisis in Rivers State has continued to generate national attention following months of confrontation between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike. The battle for control of political structures in the state has increasingly shifted into party primaries and internal contests, with both camps fighting to strengthen their influence ahead of future elections.
Despite the controversy surrounding the screening exercise, the APC leadership in Rivers State insists the process was transparent and based strictly on party regulations and eligibility requirements.
