PORT HARCOURT — Supporters of political businessman Tein Jack-Rich have staged protests following his reported disqualification from the Rivers senatorial race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking fresh tensions within the party’s state structure.
The protesters accused the APC of unfair internal processes, alleging that the decision was influenced by political interests aligned with allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Jack-Rich’s supporters, who gathered in parts of Port Harcourt, described the disqualification as unjust and politically motivated, insisting that the party failed to follow transparent nomination procedures.
They claimed that the development undermines internal democracy within the APC and could weaken the party’s chances in Rivers State ahead of future elections.
Party stakeholders in the state have been divided over candidate selection processes, with recurring disagreements often reflecting broader political rivalries within the state’s political landscape.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that tensions have been building within the Rivers APC over zoning arrangements, candidate endorsements, and perceived external influence in party decisions.
Some party members sympathetic to Jack-Rich argued that he had strong grassroots support and deserved to remain in the senatorial contest based on his political outreach and campaign structure.
Others within the party, however, maintain that the screening and clearance process followed established guidelines, insisting that all aspirants were subjected to the same requirements.
The controversy has further exposed ongoing divisions within the APC in Rivers State, where political alignments have historically been shaped by shifting alliances and influence struggles.
Observers note that Rivers politics remains highly competitive, with key actors frequently engaging in disputes over control of party structures and electoral tickets.
Political analysts say such disputes often escalate into public protests when aspirants and their supporters feel excluded from party decision-making processes.
The disqualification has also triggered conversations about the role of internal party democracy in Nigeria’s broader electoral system, especially in high-stakes senatorial contests.
Community leaders in the state have called for calm, urging aggrieved supporters to explore peaceful and legal channels to address their grievances.
They emphasized that sustained political tensions could affect voter confidence and party cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, attention is now focused on the APC leadership for clarification on the circumstances surrounding the disqualification and whether any review process will be considered.
As developments unfold, political observers say the situation could shape the balance of power within the party in Rivers State, depending on how the leadership manages internal dissent.
