APC screening committee clears 33, disqualifies 65 aspirants for Rivers Assembly seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its screening process for the Rivers State House of Assembly, clearing only 33 aspirants to move forward while disqualifying 65 others.

The results, released follows a rigorous two-day exercise held on May 9 and 10, 2026.

The screening committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, evaluated a total of 98 hopefuls at the party’s State Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

While the Chairman noted that the exercise was generally orderly, the proceedings were reportedly shadowed by a bribery attempt and moments of security friction at the venue.

Among the 33 individuals who successfully verified their credentials and met the party’s eligibility criteria are Maol Dumle, Major M. Jack, Nwabochi Frankline, Ofiks K. Christopher, and Enemi Alabo George.

Other notable names cleared for the upcoming primaries include Tonye Smart Adoki, Tekenari W. Granville, Azeru Opara, Igwe Obey Aforji, and Opuende Lolo Isaiah.

The list of successful aspirants continues with Ukalikpe Napoleon, Hope Ugwumadu, Kenneth Minimah, Justina Aniton Okorji, Onyema Rex Nwankwo, Jumbo Soparagha, Wami Solomon, Gift Esede Ali, and Ejekwu Chisa Nathan. Also moving forward are Peter E. Abbey, Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, Barida Alice Samuel, Ohanuna Bright N., Kue Yeghene, and Nwankwo Chimezie C.

The final group of cleared candidates includes Emeji Gloria Chika, Ejekwu Ezebunwo Leslie, Okpokipou Peters, Arnold O. Davids, Gerald C. Oforji, Amadi Promise Amadi, Opuene Thompson Atekebo, and Amakri Awowari.

The committee used the metrics of documentation and party loyalty, leading to the disqualification of 65 aspirants more than double the number of those cleared.

According to the committee’s report, the primary reasons for these failures included the submission of invalid affidavits, conflicting dates of birth on official documents, and the discovery that some aspirants were nominated by individuals who are not financial members of the party.

High-profile names among those who failed to scale the hurdle include Orubibanugha Timothy, Chime Eguma Ezebulike, Onyema Loveday Hechiaru, Tonye Briggs Oniyide, and Chris Okey Ochije. The disqualification list also features Amua Isioma Henry, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo, Ideye Granville, and Nwoziri Chukwuemeka Best Bishop.

Furthermore, Oba Fred Ajubulaka, Kpeden Kenneth, Chigozie Emem, Emeji Wisdom Chimele, Gift Okere, Jolly Benjamin Ngbor, Luke Mobene Eneriene, Nwankwoala Paul, Prince Lezina Ngbor, Bobby Abayomi, Victor Oko Jumbo, and Reuben Vincent Obu were also excluded from the contest.

The high disqualification rate is expected to trigger a series of appeals as the party prepares for the legislative polls.