The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress for the Rivers State House of Assembly election has cleared 33 aspirants while disqualifying 65 others ahead of the party’s primaries.
The committee, chaired by Muraina Ajibola, screened 98 aspirants who purchased nomination forms to contest the 32 assembly seats in the state.
The report of the exercise was signed by Ajibola, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, secretary of the committee, Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel. One committee member, Ayuba Audu, was absent.
According to the committee, the affected aspirants failed to meet the requirements outlined for the screening process.
Among the reasons cited for disqualification were allegations of inducement and attempted bribery, failure to present voter cards, submission of unsworn affidavits, and inability to provide party membership slips or cards.
The report also listed inconsistencies in names and dates of birth, irregularities in the membership details of nominators, and insufficient nominators as grounds for disqualification.
In some cases, the committee said the affidavits submitted by aspirants did not disclose relevant details concerning their NECO certificates.
The committee stated that the exercise followed a “transparent, orderly, and participatory procedure.”
“All aspirants were invited to appear before the Committee with the originals of their credentials and supporting documents earlier submitted to the Party,” the report read.
“Each aspirant was allowed to personally address the Committee and respond to questions relating to educational qualifications, political experience, party membership, nominations by party members, constituency engagement, and other relevant matters.”
The committee added that evidence of party membership and participation in party activities was also examined during the screening.
The report indicated that several aspirants believed to be aligned with Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, former governorship candidate of the party, were among those disqualified.
Those reportedly not cleared from the Fubara camp include Chijioke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Sokari Goodboy.
The committee further alleged that Victor Oko-Jumbo caused a disturbance at the screening venue after insisting on entering the premises with security aides.
According to the report, all 33 aspirants cleared by the committee are loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Rivers APC directed aspirants to verify their screening status on the party’s notice board.
Chibike Ikenga, publicity secretary of the party in Rivers State, said appeals relating to the screening exercise should be submitted through the party secretariat on May 12.
Meanwhile, questions have continued to surround the political standing of Governor Fubara ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to concerns over the screening process, Ajibola Basiru said the screening committee would issue its final report after concluding its assignment.
“I don’t know what you mean by screen because it appears that anybody who appeared before the screening committee, of course, is necessary as part of the process,” he said.
“After appearing before the screening committee, the screening committee will issue its report.
“As of now, the screening committee, when it has completed, seeing everybody it’s supposed to see, will now sit down and come out with a report of the screening committee.”
