APC rejects 32 Fubara loyalists amid deepening rift with Wike

The political rivalry between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara reached a new peak on Monday as the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee disqualified all 32 aspirants loyal to the governor. In a stark contrast, the committee cleared 29 sitting lawmakers loyal to Wike, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and House Leader Major Jack, to contest the 2027 primaries. The committee’s report, following a two-day exercise in Port Harcourt, confirmed that prominent Fubara allies like Victor Oko-Jumbo and Chijiole Ihunwo were among those denied clearance.

According to the report signed by Chairman Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, the committee screened a total of 98 aspirants using what it described as a “transparent and orderly” process. While the majority of Wike’s supporters passed without issue, the committee cited ten specific reasons for the mass disqualification of the pro-Fubara group. These included the submission of unsworn affidavits, conflicting dates of birth, failure to present party membership cards, and nominations by individuals who were not financially up-to-date with their party dues.

The screening was not without drama, as the committee reported two significant incidents of misconduct. Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo was accused of causing a disturbance by insisting on entering the venue with a “retinue of security aides,” leading to a standoff with police. Additionally, an aspirant for the Asari Toru 1 seat, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, was handed over to the police after allegedly attempting to bribe the committee by handing over an envelope of money with his passport photograph.

Despite these disruptions, the committee maintained that it discharged its mandate with “fidelity to the democratic ideals” of the APC. The clearance of the Wike-led faction effectively solidifies the Minister’s grip on the party’s legislative structure heading into the next election cycle. Meanwhile, the disqualified aspirants now face a narrowing window to appeal the decision if they hope to remain in the race for the 2027 Assembly polls.