Rivers APC Disowns Wike, Denies Bias in Assembly Aspirants’ Screening

The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has firmly denied allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced the party’s screening process for aspirants seeking tickets into the Rivers State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed widespread claims that aspirants believed to be loyal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara were largely disqualified, while candidates linked to Wike were cleared by the screening committee. Reacting to the allegations during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary Chibuike Ikenga insisted that Wike is not a registered member of the APC and therefore could not have played any role in the screening exercise.

Ikenga described reports of favoritism as misleading and politically motivated, maintaining that the screening was conducted peacefully and transparently. According to figures released by the party, 98 aspirants participated in the exercise, with 33 cleared and 65 not cleared. The APC also disclosed that an appeal committee had already commenced reviewing petitions from aggrieved aspirants. Abdul Mahmud, chairman of the appeal panel, stated that some aspirants were given opportunities to correct documentation issues before the close of the appeal process scheduled for May 13, 2026.

Reports from several media outlets indicated that many aspirants perceived to be aligned with Governor Fubara failed to secure clearance, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and other pro-Fubara figures. Meanwhile, several serving lawmakers reportedly loyal to Wike were cleared to participate in the APC primaries. The development further deepened political tensions within Rivers State as the rivalry between the camps of Wike and Fubara continues to shape the state’s political landscape ahead of 2027.

Amid the growing controversy, Wike himself publicly distanced himself from the APC screening exercise, stressing that he is not a member of the ruling party and has no authority over its internal affairs. The FCT minister said he neither knew the basis for the screening outcomes nor had any involvement in the process. Similar positions had earlier been echoed by presidential aide Daniel Bwala, who previously stated that Wike was not an APC member in Rivers State.