The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified 65 aspirants seeking tickets for the Rivers State House of Assembly election, while clearing only 33 contenders ahead of the party primaries.
The decision followed the conclusion of the screening exercise conducted by the party’s screening committee chaired by Muraina Ajibola.
Party sources said many of the disqualified aspirants were allegedly linked to the political camp of suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid the deepening power struggle rocking the state’s political landscape.
The development is seen as a major move by the APC leadership to tighten control over its structure in Rivers ahead of the crucial assembly election.
Although the party has yet to officially release detailed reasons for each disqualification, insiders disclosed that loyalty, party alignment, and political affiliations formed key considerations during the screening process.
The clearance of 33 aspirants now sets the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested primary election within the party.
Political observers say the large-scale disqualification may further intensify tensions in Rivers politics, where rival camps continue to battle for influence and control ahead of future electoral contests.
The Rivers APC has, however, maintained that the screening process was conducted in line with party guidelines and aimed at ensuring credible candidates emerge for the election.
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