The political tension in Rivers State took another twist on Monday after several loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to make the final list of cleared aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries.
Among those screened out were former Obio/Akpor council chairman Chijioke Ihunwo, alongside serving lawmakers Sokari Goodboy and Victor Oko-Jumbo — all considered key allies of the governor.
Their exclusion has sparked fresh political speculation across the state, with many observers viewing it as more than a routine party exercise.
To many, it reflects the growing power struggle within Rivers politics, where Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, continue to battle for influence.
While some of Fubara’s associates were unable to secure clearance, several figures believed to be aligned with Wike successfully made the list released by the APC screening committee.
Those cleared include Maol Dumle, Major Jack, Enemi Alabo George, Tonye Smart Adoki, and Tekenari Granville.
Their emergence is already being interpreted in political circles as a sign that the Wike camp still holds significant control within the Rivers APC structure.
The screening exercise was confirmed by the party’s publicity secretary, Chibike Ikenga, at a time political alignments are beginning to intensify ahead of future elections.
Control of the Rivers State House of Assembly remains one of the biggest political flashpoints in the state, especially after the prolonged fallout between Fubara and Wike fractured the state’s political establishment.
The latest development is expected to raise new questions about the direction of the APC in Rivers and whether the party is gradually closing its doors to politicians loyal to the governor.
Fubara, who won the 2023 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC last year following his bitter political dispute with Wike.
