The political rivalry between Nyesom Wike and
Siminalayi Fubara has taken a fresh turn after 32 aspirants believed to be
loyal to Governor Fubara were disqualified by the All Progressives Congress
House of Assembly Screening Committee in Rivers State.
In contrast, all 29 serving members of the Rivers
State House of Assembly aligned with Wike were cleared to contest the party’s
2027 primaries. The lawmakers are reportedly led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol.
The four-member screening committee, chaired by Rt.
Hon. Muraina Ajibola, conducted the exercise over two days at the APC
Secretariat in Port Harcourt, where a total of 98 aspirants were screened.
According to the committee’s report, the screening
process was carried out in a transparent and fair manner aimed at protecting
the democratic principles of the party.
The report also revealed that the current Speaker of
the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has reportedly opted to
contest for a seat in the House of Representatives instead of seeking another
term in the state assembly.
Although the exercise was described as generally
peaceful, the committee disclosed that there was a minor disruption involving
Victor Oko-Jumbo, who allegedly arrived at the venue with a heavy security
presence, resulting in a brief confrontation with police officers.
The committee further claimed that another aspirant
was handed over to the police after allegedly attempting to bribe members of
the screening panel.
The outcome of the screening exercise is expected to
further deepen the political divisions within Rivers State as factions loyal to
Wike and Fubara continue their struggle for influence ahead of the 2027 general
elections.
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