- Rivers APC confirmed the disqualification of 65 aspirants reportedly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- The screening appeal committee said 19 appeals had already been submitted by affected aspirants
- The final list of cleared aspirants will be released after the appeal deadline expires on Wednesday
The All Progressives Congress House of Assembly Screening Appeal Committee in Rivers State has upheld the disqualification of several aspirants reportedly linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the party’s internal political processes.
The appeal committee, chaired by Abdul Mahmud, confirmed the development while addressing journalists on Tuesday.
According to the committee, 33 aspirants who participated in the screening exercise conducted on Saturday were successfully cleared, while 65 others were disqualified during the process. Reports indicated that many of the disqualified aspirants were believed to be loyalists of Governor Fubara.
Mahmud disclosed that the committee had already received 19 appeals from some of the affected aspirants seeking a review of their disqualification. He added that the deadline for the submission of appeals would end on Wednesday.
“The submission of appeals ends on Wednesday,” Mahmud stated while speaking with journalists.
The committee chairman explained that the final list of cleared aspirants would only be released after the appeal process had been concluded and all submissions carefully reviewed.
The latest development is expected to further intensify political tensions within the Rivers State chapter of the APC, especially amid ongoing political realignments and divisions involving supporters of Governor Fubara and rival political blocs in the state.
Political observers noted that the screening exercise could significantly influence the balance of power within the party ahead of future legislative and political contests in Rivers State.
The controversy surrounding the disqualification of the aspirants has already generated reactions among party supporters and political stakeholders, with many closely monitoring the outcome of the appeals process.
Governor Fubara has remained a major figure in Rivers State politics following months of political disputes and shifting alliances within the state’s political structure.
The appeal committee is expected to announce the final list of cleared aspirants after the expiration of the appeal deadline and the completion of its review process.