In what political observers are calling a "pre-emptive strike" against the influence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has effectively locked out the Governor’s camp from the 2027 legislative race.

 

The Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Committee, chaired by Muraina Ajibola, released its report on May 10, 2026, revealing a dramatic winnowing of the field. Out of 98 aspirants who appeared before the panel, only 33 were cleared to participate in the primaries scheduled for May 15, 2026.

 

Notably, all 33 cleared candidates are recognized loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

 

Strategic Strike on the Fubara Camp

The disqualification of Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, who led the pro-Fubara legislative faction during the 2024-2025 constitutional crisis, marks a significant blow to the Governor's political survival strategy. Other casualties include Sokari Goodboy and Chijioke Ihunwo, the latter a key mobilizer in the Governor's native Obio/Akpor local government area.

 

WHY THEY WERE BARRED: THE COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS

The screening report, signed by Ajibola and Secretary Ishake Yamawe, listed a litany of infractions that rendered the 65 aspirants ineligible:

 

  • Financial Delinquency: Nominations by persons who were not financially up-to-date members (violating Article 9.3 of the Party Constitution).

     

  • Ethical Breaches: Allegations of "inducement and attempted bribery" of committee members.

     

  • Documentation Errors: Submission of unsworn affidavits, failure to present voter cards, and conflicting dates of birth.

     

  • Membership Invalidity: Inconsistencies in names and irregular party membership numbers.

     

THE "WIKE FACTOR" AND 2027 POWER SHIFT

The clearance of Wike’s allies—including Enemi Alabo George, Major M. Jack, and Tekenari Granville—signals that the "Rainbow Coalition" now fully controls the APC machinery in Rivers State.

While Fubara’s aides have claimed the Governor was "cleared" by his committee to take a bow and go, the mass disqualification of his foot soldiers in the Assembly suggests a legislative blockade is being built to prevent him from having a friendly House if he secures a second term.

 

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