The All Progressives Congress don clear 33 aspirants to contest for Rivers State House of Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 elections, while 65 others failed the party screening exercise.
According to the final screening report obtained on Monday, all 29 serving lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, successfully passed the screening process.
The APC screening exercise officially ended on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after days of verification and document checks involving dozens of aspirants across Rivers State.
Party insiders described the outcome as another strong indication of Wike’s growing political influence inside Rivers APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the aspirants cleared by the committee are Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, Enemi Alabo George and Tonye Smart Adoki.
Others include Hope Ugwumadu, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji, Onyema Rex Nwankwo, Gerald C. Oforji and Amadi Promise Amadi.
The committee also approved the candidacy of several female aspirants, including Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, Barida Alice Samuel and Emeji Gloria Chika.
Meanwhile, 65 aspirants were disqualified after failing to meet requirements set by the party screening panel.
Some of those not cleared include Tonye Briggs Oniyide, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo, Prince Lezina Ngbor, Bobby Abayomi, Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo and Prince Emukuighro Fubara.
Others affected by the disqualification include Karibi Karibi Bobmanuel, Tamunotonye Briggs, Victory Victor Uchendu, Adele Justice Nkanitye and Murphy Deemua.
According to the committee report, several reasons led to the disqualification of aspirants.
The panel cited issues such as incomplete documentation, irregular dates of birth, invalid nomination forms, absence of voter cards and failure to present party membership slips.
The report also mentioned attempted inducement, submission of unsigned or unsworn affidavits and use of nominators who were not financially up-to-date members of the party.
Party officials commended aspirants, security personnel and APC stakeholders for maintaining order throughout the screening exercise.
The report further confirmed that all 29 lawmakers aligned with Wike were cleared to participate in the APC Assembly primaries scheduled ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, was absent from the Assembly screening process because he reportedly obtained nomination forms to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Political observers believe the outcome of the screening exercise may further strengthen Wike’s control over the APC structure in Rivers State.
The development also comes amid continued political tension between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, over the control of political structures in the oil-rich state.
Analysts say the successful clearance of pro-Wike lawmakers could play a major role in shaping political alignments and legislative battles ahead of the 2027 governorship and Assembly elections in Rivers State.
