APC Clears Fubara Loyalists for Rivers Assembly Primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has screened and cleared dozens of House of Assembly aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 elections.

The screening exercise, held on Saturday at the APC state secretariat along Aba Expressway in Port Harcourt, attracted heavy security presence amid growing political tension within the party.

A total of 32 aspirants aligned with Fubara were reportedly cleared to participate in the Assembly primaries, including former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, and Victor Oko Jumbo, who currently represents Bonny constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The development comes against the backdrop of the lingering political rivalry between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the control of political structures in the state.

Ahead of the screening, discussions on social media alleged that loyalists of Wike planned to use security agencies to intimidate aspirants linked to the governor.

However, the Assistant Commissioner of Police supervising security at the venue reportedly dismissed the claims, insisting that officers were deployed strictly to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the exercise.

In addition to the Fubara camp, aspirants believed to be loyal to Wike, including some of the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, were also screened by the committee.

Political observers say the development has further exposed the deepening rivalry between the two camps ahead of the APC primaries in Rivers State.

Analysts believe the battle for the party’s structure could intensify in the coming months as both camps continue consultations and mobilisation across the state.

Also screened for the APC governorship primary were prominent political figures including Dax Alabo George, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and former governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, all considered influential figures within the party.

The screening exercise is seen as another major step in the ongoing political realignment in Rivers State ahead of the next electoral cycle.