The political battle between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken another dramatic turn ahead of the 2027 general elections, deepening the already tense rivalry between both political camps.
Fresh controversy erupted in Rivers State after the House of Assembly Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly disqualified all 32 aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Fubara while clearing lawmakers and candidates aligned with Wike.
The development has further heightened political tension in the oil-rich state, with many observers describing the latest move as a major escalation in the ongoing struggle for political control ahead of 2027.
APC Screening Committee Clears Wike Loyalists
According to reports from the screening exercise conducted in Port Harcourt, all 29 serving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike were cleared to participate in the APC primaries for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Among those reportedly cleared were Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and House Spokesman Enemi Alabo George, all known allies of the former Rivers governor.
The screening committee, which operated for two days at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt, screened a total of 98 aspirants seeking the party’s nomination for various Assembly positions.
The panel was chaired by Muraina Ajibola, with Ishaku Yamawo serving as secretary, while Abdullah Adamu and Danjuma Samuel served as committee members.
In its report, the committee stated that the exercise was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner designed to ensure fairness to all aspirants.
According to the report:
“The screening committee constituted by the National Working Committee of the party respectfully submits its report on the screening exercise conducted for aspirants seeking nomination on the platform of the party for election into the Rivers State House of Assembly for the 2027 general elections.”
The committee also noted that the screening process was largely peaceful, although there was a disagreement involving one of the aspirants, Victor Oko-Jumbo, who allegedly attempted to enter the venue with multiple security aides.
Fubara Allies Reportedly Disqualified
Several politicians believed to be loyal to Governor Fubara were reportedly denied clearance by the committee.
Among those said to have been disqualified are Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, Timothy Orubibanugha, and Chijioke Ihunwo, all considered strong allies of the governor.
Sources within the party claimed that more than 60 aspirants linked to the governor’s camp failed to scale through the screening process, while candidates associated with Wike were largely successful.
The committee reportedly cited multiple reasons for the non-clearance of some aspirants, including:
- Incomplete party membership documentation
- Failure to present voter’s cards
- Submission of unsworn affidavits
- Conflicting dates of birth
- Financial non-compliance with party requirements
- Alleged inducement and attempted bribery of committee members
The development has triggered intense reactions within political circles in Rivers State, with many supporters of Governor Fubara questioning the credibility and fairness of the exercise.
APC Denies Releasing Official Screening List
Amid growing controversy, the APC screening committee later distanced itself from the widely circulated list of cleared and disqualified aspirants.
In a disclaimer issued by committee secretary Tanko Yamowa, the party stated that the alleged list making rounds online and across media platforms was unofficial and unauthorized.
According to the statement:
“The publication currently circulating did not emanate from the appropriate party authorities and should be disregarded by party members and the public.”
The committee explained that the screening exercise had only recently concluded and no official list had been formally released at the time.
Party officials accused unnamed individuals of attempting to create confusion and unnecessary tension within the APC through the circulation of false information.
Wike Distances Himself from APC Screening Drama
Reacting to the controversy, Wike denied having any involvement in the APC screening process, insisting that he is not a registered member of the party.
The FCT minister spoke during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
According to Wike:
“I am not a member of the APC, so I do not know what is happening in their screening process. Even if they release results, why should I comment on what does not concern me?”
The former Rivers governor further dismissed claims linking him to the screening decisions, jokingly stating that he was neither a prophet nor a native doctor capable of predicting the committee’s actions.
Despite distancing himself from the controversy, Wike hinted that political alliances in Rivers State ahead of 2027 would be based on strategic calculations and electoral strength rather than party loyalty alone.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will assess where we have strength and make political decisions accordingly,” he added.
Martin Amaewhule Reportedly Eyes House of Representatives Seat
Meanwhile, reports also indicate that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, may be preparing for a move to the National Assembly after allegedly obtaining nomination forms to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Amaewhule has remained one of the strongest political allies of Wike throughout the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
His potential candidacy is expected to further reshape the political calculations within the APC and the wider Rivers political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
ADC Emerges as Alternative Political Force in Rivers
As the APC crisis continues, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to be gaining momentum in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party disclosed that at least eight aspirants have already expressed interest in contesting for the governorship position under its platform.
The announcement was made by the chairman-elect of ADC in Rivers State, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, who described the growing interest in the party as evidence of a major political shift in the state.
According to him, the ADC has become an attractive platform for experienced politicians, technocrats, professionals, and private sector leaders seeking a fresh political direction.
The party also praised former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for picking the ADC presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dimkpa stated that the party was witnessing an unprecedented level of participation and political interest across Rivers State.
He revealed that those showing interest in the governorship race include former lawmakers, former commissioners, technocrats, medical professionals, architects, and successful entrepreneurs.
According to him:
“ADC is no longer being viewed as an alternative political party. It is increasingly becoming the preferred platform for credible leadership and people-oriented governance.”
2027 Rivers Election Battle Set to Intensify
Political analysts believe the ongoing rivalry between Wike and Fubara could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 elections in Rivers State.
With the APC facing internal divisions, the ADC gaining popularity, and new political coalitions emerging, the political landscape in Rivers is expected to become even more competitive in the coming months.
Many residents and observers are now watching closely to see whether the political conflict between both camps will escalate further or eventually lead to reconciliation before the 2027 elections.
