APC Disqualifies 32 Fubara Loyalists, Clears Wike Camp for Rivers Assembly Primaries

The Rivers State political crisis deepened on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee disqualified 32 aspirants reportedly linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while clearing 29 candidates believed to be loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for the party’s House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The screening exercise, conducted by a four-member committee appointed by the APC National Working Committee, took place over the weekend at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt. A total of 98 aspirants were screened for the Rivers State House of Assembly tickets.

According to the committee’s report, which was signed by Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola (Chairman), Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo (Secretary), Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Hon. Danjuma Samuel, the exercise was conducted in a “transparent, orderly and participatory” manner.

Among those disqualified were 32 aspirants allegedly aligned with Governor Fubara’s political structure, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, Timothy Orubitanubigha, and Chijioke Ihunwo, a known associate of the governor.

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The committee, however, cleared 29 serving lawmakers and aspirants aligned with Wike’s political camp, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and House Spokesman Enemi Alabo George. Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, was also reportedly cleared and is said to have secured a nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives.

The report stated that the screening process was largely peaceful but noted a disruption involving Oko-Jumbo, who allegedly attempted to enter the venue with security aides, leading to a brief confrontation with police officers before order was restored.

It also alleged that one aspirant, identified as Tonye Garrick Tom-George of the Asari-Toru I constituency, was reported to the police after allegedly presenting an envelope containing cash and a passport photograph in what the committee described as an attempt to influence the screening process.

The committee further disclosed that several petitions were received against aspirants, while a number of candidates were screened out over documentation issues. These included failure to provide valid party membership cards, voter identification cards, discrepancies in names and birth dates, unsworn affidavits, insufficient nominators, and irregularities in academic certificates.

According to the panel, some aspirants were also disqualified for being nominated by individuals who were not financially or structurally verified party members, as well as for inconsistencies in NECO and other academic credentials.

The APC screening committee insisted that it acted within the party’s constitution and guidelines, stressing that the exercise reflected “the democratic ideals and progressive principles” of the party.

The outcome of the screening has further heightened political tension in Rivers State, where rivalry between the camps of Fubara and Wike has continued to dominate party structures and political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of press time, neither the APC national leadership nor Governor Fubara’s camp had issued an official reaction to the disqualification list.

APC Disqualifies 32 Fubara Loyalists, Clears Wike Camp for Rivers Assembly Primaries

“Youths Lokan” Movement Grows as KWAM1’s Daughter Joins Lagos Assembly Race

Damilola Ayomide Ayinde-Marshal, daughter of Fuji music star King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), has formally declared her intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency II under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawyer and political aide, who currently serves as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made the declaration ahead of the party’s screening exercise, which she described as a key step in assessing the competence and readiness of aspirants seeking elective office.

She said the screening process provides a platform for the party to engage aspirants directly and evaluate their preparedness to represent their constituencies effectively at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Damilola expressed confidence in her chances, saying she remains hopeful of securing the APC ticket as the party progresses with its internal selection process.

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According to her, her political ambition is rooted in sustained grassroots engagement across Surulere Constituency II, where she has held consultations with residents, particularly youths, before officially joining the race. She explained that her decision to run was influenced by her close connection with the community and her desire to contribute to development through legislative representation.

Damilola emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in politics, arguing that young people are often wrongly perceived as unserious or incapable of leadership. She maintained that the younger generation has the capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance, given their understanding of both traditional systems and modern societal realities.

She also reiterated that youths are increasingly ready to take up leadership roles, urging political parties to provide more opportunities for young aspirants seeking elective positions. According to her, the popular phrase “youths lokan” reflects the growing determination of young people to actively participate in governance and political leadership.

While expressing optimism, she stated that she would respect whatever decision the APC eventually takes regarding the party ticket, stressing the importance of loyalty to internal party processes and outcomes.

Damilola is expected to continue her consultations and political engagements ahead of the APC primaries for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections, where she will be seeking the party’s nomination for Surulere Constituency II.

KWAM1’s Daughter, Damilola Ayomide at the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise ahead of the 2027 elections seeking to represent Surulere Constituency Il at the Lagos House of Assembly

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“Youths Lokan” Movement Grows as KWAM1’s Daughter Joins Lagos Assembly Race

Arewa Youths Allege Plot to Destabilise APC, Block Tinubu’s Re-Election

Northern youths under the umbrella of the Arewa Youth Assembly have alleged that there are ongoing plots to trigger internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a move aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made the allegation during a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, where it claimed that recent tensions within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) were part of wider efforts to destabilise the ruling party and frustrate Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Coordinator of the assembly, Mohammed Aliyu Sanni, alleged that certain political actors were attempting to recreate the type of internal divisions that affected the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 elections.

According to Sanni, the crisis that contributed to Jonathan’s electoral defeat began with divisions within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led at the time by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The group specifically accused some governors of allegedly trying to undermine the leadership of the Progressive Governors Forum currently chaired by Hope Uzodimma.

Sanni claimed that because efforts to allegedly pressure Uzodimma failed, attention shifted to Dapo Abiodun, whom he accused of working with other governors to initiate moves capable of destabilising the forum and weakening support for President Tinubu.

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The Arewa Youth Assembly also mentioned Peter Mbah among those it alleged were involved in political alignments against the APC leadership structure, though no evidence was publicly presented during the briefing.

According to the group, some governors allegedly attempted to announce the removal of Uzodimma as PGF chairman but were resisted by the majority of governors within the forum.

The youths further argued that support from northern governors for Uzodimma reflects a commitment to the existing power rotation understanding within the APC, which they say supports Tinubu completing two terms before power returns to the North in 2031.

The group also alleged the existence of “moles” within the APC who are dissatisfied with the Tinubu administration and are allegedly working against the President from within the party.

Drawing parallels with the internal crisis that affected the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sanni referenced the political role played by Nyesom Wike during disputes within the opposition party.

“In short, they want to play the Nyesom Wike card by weakening the internal mechanism of the APC the same way Wike did against the PDP,” he alleged.

The group subsequently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to those allegedly involved in the supposed plot, demanding an apology to President Tinubu, the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Uzodimma, and the APC leadership.

It warned that failure to comply could trigger nationwide mobilisation of youths against the individuals accused of participating in the alleged “aborted palace coup.”

Political analysts, however, note that internal alignments, consultations, and strategic positioning have already begun quietly within major political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, despite official campaigns still being far away.

Observers also caution that allegations of internal sabotage and factional rivalry are common during periods of political succession planning and party restructuring in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC leadership nor the governors mentioned in the allegations had officially responded to the claims made by the Arewa Youth Assembly.

Arewa Youths Allege Plot to Destabilise APC, Block Tinubu’s Re-Election