The political tensions in Rivers State have taken a new turn after several allies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to make the final list in the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening for House of Assembly primaries.
The screening exercise, which is part of preparations for the 2027 elections, reportedly excluded a number of aspirants widely considered loyal to the governor.
Among those not cleared were former Obio/Akpor council chairman Chijioke Ihunwo, alongside serving lawmakers Sokari Goodboy and Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Their exclusion has drawn attention within political circles, with analysts suggesting that the development goes beyond routine party screening and may reflect deeper political realignments within the state chapter of the APC.
Observers said the outcome underscores the ongoing struggle for influence in Rivers politics, where Governor Fubara and former governor and current minister Nyesom Wike remain key power centres.
On the opposite side, the list of cleared aspirants appears to tilt towards figures associated with the Wike-aligned bloc.
Those cleared included Maol Dumle, Major Jack, Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, and Tekenari Granville.
Their inclusion is being interpreted by some analysts as a consolidation of influence within the party structure in the state.
The screening exercise, announced by APC publicity secretary Chibike Ikenga, comes amid heightened political positioning ahead of future elections and the struggle for control of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Political watchers said the development raises broader questions about internal party balance, including whether emerging alignments may reshape the space available to competing blocs within the APC in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, joined the APC last year following political disagreements with Wike.
The full list of cleared aspirants is expected to shape the next phase of the party’s primaries as stakeholders continue to watch how the internal dynamics unfold.
