The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected allegations of favoritism during the screening of its House of Assembly aspirants. Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, publicity secretary Chibuike Ikenga labeled the claims as false and unjust.
Reports had suggested that aspirants aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were given preferential treatment, while those loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were deliberately disqualified. Ikenga dismissed these assertions, stating that Wike is not a member of the APC and has no role in the party’s screening activities.
Although Wike has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection, linking him to the screening outcome is baseless, according to Ikenga. He emphasized that the exercise was carried out transparently and peacefully. The screening committee’s report shows that 33 aspirants received clearance, while 65 did not.
Ikenga also noted that the party has established an appeals committee to handle grievances from dissatisfied aspirants, ensuring the process remains smooth and undisrupted. He reiterated that Wike’s non-membership in the APC makes any claims of his involvement in the screening process entirely unfounded.