All 29 pro-Wike incumbent lawmakers scale screening as party cites documentation irregularities, bribery allegations, and invalid nominations for disqualifications.
By Ginikachi Njoku – PORT HARCOURT — May 11, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has cleared 33 aspirants to contest the party’s State House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, while disqualifying 65 others following the conclusion of its screening exercise.
A copy of the screening committee’s final report, obtained on Monday, revealed that all 29 incumbent lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, successfully scaled the screening process.
The exercise officially ended on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Pro-Wike Lawmakers Cleared
According to the report, the 33 cleared aspirants include all serving lawmakers loyal to Wike and led by the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol.
The development is expected to strengthen the influence of the pro-Wike bloc within the APC structure in Rivers State ahead of the party primaries and the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, was reportedly said to have obtained nomination forms to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Committee Explains Reasons for Disqualification
The screening committee stated that several aspirants failed to meet the party’s eligibility requirements.
According to the report, reasons for disqualification included:
- Nomination by individuals who were not financially up-to-date members of the party
- Alleged inducement or bribery attempts
- Submission of unsworn affidavits
- Failure to provide voter cards or party membership slips
- Conflicting dates of birth
- Documentation irregularities
- Insufficient or invalid nominators
The committee noted that the screening process was conducted in line with party guidelines and electoral requirements.
Full List of Cleared Aspirants
The 33 aspirants cleared by the APC screening committee are:
- Maol Dumle
- Major M. Jack
- Nwabochi Frankline
- Ofiks K. Christopher
- Enemi Alabo George
- Tonye Smart Adoki
- Tekenari W. Granville
- Azeru Opara
- Igwe Obey Aforji
- Opuende Lolo Isaiah
- Ukalikpe Napoleon
- Hope Ugwumadu
- Kenneth Minimah
- Justina Aniton Okorji
- Onyema Rex Nwankwo
- Jumbo Soparagh
- Wami Solomon
- Gift Esede Ali
- Ejekwu Chisa Nathan
- Peter E. Abbey
- Loolo Bulabari Henrietta
- Barida Alice Samuel
- Ohanuna Bright N.
- Kue Yeghene
- Nwankwo Chimezie C.
- Emeji Gloria Chika
- Ejekwu Ezebunwo Leslie
- Okpokipoy Peters
- Arnold O. Davids
- Gerald C. Oforji
- Amadi Promise Amadi
- Opuene Thompson Atekebo
- Amakri Awowari
Dozens Fail Screening Exercise
The committee also released the names of 65 aspirants who were not cleared to participate in the primaries.
Among those disqualified are:
- Orubibanugha Timothy
- Chime Eguma Ezebulike
- Tonye Briggs Oniyide
- Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo
- Gift Okere
- Victor Oko Jumbo
- Claudius Princewill
- Karibi Karibi Bobmanuel
- Tamunotonye Briggs
- Adele Justice Nkanitye
- Oduye Tom-West
- Macsunday Uziuke Ugwu
Others were similarly disqualified over various alleged irregularities identified during the screening process.
Committee Commends Stakeholders
The committee stated that it successfully concluded its assignment on May 10, 2026, and commended aspirants, party officials, and security personnel for maintaining order throughout the exercise.
Political observers believe the outcome of the screening exercise may significantly shape the internal power dynamics within the Rivers APC ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly amid the continuing influence of the Wike political structure in the state.
With all incumbent lawmakers aligned with Wike cleared to contest, attention is now expected to shift to the APC primaries, which could further redefine the political landscape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The disqualification of 65 aspirants also signals the party’s determination to enforce stricter compliance with its internal guidelines and nomination procedures.
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