- APC disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo and three other aspirants from Rivers State senatorial primaries
- The party announced the decision after completing its screening exercise ahead of Monday’s elections
- Political stakeholders called for calm as the development reshaped the APC contest in Rivers State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo and three other aspirants from participating in the party’s senatorial primary elections scheduled to take place on Monday in Rivers State.
Senator Banigo, who currently represents Rivers West Senatorial District, was among four aspirants declared ineligible by the party ahead of the highly anticipated primaries. The other disqualified aspirants are former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Wenike Danagogo, former state chairman of the party, Ojukaye Flag Amachree, and prominent businessman, Tein Jack-Rich.
The development was officially confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chibuike Ikenga. In the statement, the party urged all aspirants and members to take note of the outcome of the screening exercise and comply with the decisions reached by the party leadership.
Although the APC did not provide detailed reasons for the disqualifications, political observers believe the move could significantly reshape the contest ahead of the senatorial primaries. The exclusion of high-profile figures such as Banigo and Danagogo is expected to trigger fresh political discussions within the state’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, the party cleared several other aspirants to participate in the primaries. Those approved include Senator Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East Senatorial District, Felix Obua, Barry Mwara, and Osarosaka Ebenezer.
The APC stated that the screening process was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. Party officials insisted that the exercise was aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to internal regulations ahead of the elections.
Political analysts have described the disqualification of Senator Banigo as one of the biggest surprises of the screening process, considering her political influence and experience in Rivers politics. Banigo, a former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, has remained an active figure in the state’s political affairs over the years.
Similarly, Tein Jack-Rich, a businessman and political figure known for his involvement in development initiatives, was also viewed as a strong contender before his disqualification.
As preparations continue for Monday’s primaries, attention is now focused on how the affected aspirants and their supporters will respond to the party’s decision. Some stakeholders within the APC have already called for calm, urging members to prioritise party unity and avoid actions that could create divisions within the organisation.
The outcome of the primaries is expected to play a significant role in shaping the APC’s political strategy in Rivers State ahead of future elections.