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

Sowore Endorses Aisha Yesufu’s 2027 FCT Senate Bid, Criticises Party Choice

Publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has expressed support for fellow activist Aisha Yesufu’s ambition to contest the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections, while criticising her decision to join a political party he described as the wrong platform.

Sowore made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Channels Television, where he argued that activists should not remain outside the political space but should instead participate actively in governance through elections.

He said he fully supports Yesufu’s decision to run for office, stressing that political participation is a key form of activism needed to drive meaningful change in society. According to him, engagement in politics remains one of the most powerful tools for reform, describing it as the “biggest form of activism” required to improve governance.

“No, I totally support her. I’ve always told her that good people, people who believe that they can do things, should get into politics,” Sowore said, adding that those seeking change must be willing to engage directly in the political system.

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However, Sowore criticised Yesufu’s political alignment, stating that while he supports her ambition, he believes she is in the wrong political party and should have joined his own platform instead. He maintained that her chances would have been better under his political structure.

“So I totally support her, and I hope she wins. Even though I think that she’s in the wrong party, she should have joined our party,” he added.

Aisha Yesufu, a well-known civic activist and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, recently announced her resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and her move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), where she declared her intention to contest the FCT Senate seat.

She explained that her decision was driven by a deeper political conviction and alignment with a broader vision for national transformation. Yesufu said she was now following what she described as leadership that represents hope for a better Nigeria.

“This deeper understanding is why I resigned from the African Democratic Congress to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi, who today embodies the hope and aspiration of a Nigeria that works,” she stated.

She also confirmed that she is not only joining the party but actively contesting for office, saying, “This time I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT senatorial seat.” She further noted that her exit from the ADC was peaceful and completed after fulfilling her responsibilities within the party.

The development has sparked wider debate about the role of activists in partisan politics as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections. While some believe activist participation will strengthen accountability and democratic representation, others argue it may compromise their independence.

As political realignments continue, more civic figures are expected to declare interest in elective positions ahead of the next election cycle.

Sowore Endorses Aisha Yesufu’s 2027 FCT Senate Bid, Criticises Party Choice