Rivers State, Nigeria, Monday, May 18, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has screened out several prominent aspirants in Rivers State ahead of its senatorial primaries for the 2027 general election, in a move that has further intensified political tensions within the state’s party structure.
According to the list released by the party, key political figures including Ipalibo Banigo, Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Ojukaye Amachree, and Jack-Rich Tein were not cleared to contest the APC senatorial primaries.
The development is already generating political reactions in Rivers State, where internal divisions within the APC have long been linked to competing power blocs associated with prominent political figures, including supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and allies of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Party insiders suggest the screening exercise was aimed at tightening eligibility standards and reducing internal disputes ahead of the primaries, though critics within the affected camps argue that the decision may deepen existing factional rifts and reshape the party’s strategy in Rivers State ahead of 2027.
The APC has not provided detailed public explanations for the disqualification of the affected aspirants, but the decision is expected to influence upcoming consultations and negotiations within the party structure as stakeholders reposition for the senatorial contests.
