The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated the appellate process for aspirants who were barred from contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly during the upcoming 2027 polls. The appeals are being heard at the party’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where 19 petitions have been submitted for review.
Abdul Mahmud, a human rights lawyer serving as the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, informed reporters that the committee is tasked with examining grievances related to the screening exercise conducted over the weekend. He emphasized that the panel’s focus is solely on the documents provided by aspirants, dismissing any claims of factional bias. Mahmud stated, “I’m not interested in your faction; I’m interested in your documents before me. It is your documents that I speak to.”
The development follows the release of a list by the party on Sunday night, which cleared 33 aspirants for the primaries while disqualifying 65 others. Notably, all 32 aspirants aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified. Mahmud assured stakeholders of a transparent and fair review process, refuting allegations that the disqualifications were influenced by factional interests.
Mahmud also raised concerns about the conduct of one aspirant, Tonye Tom-George, who allegedly attempted to bribe the screening committee by submitting an envelope containing money along with his passport photo. Despite filing an appeal, Tom-George has yet to appear before the panel.
Meanwhile, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, rejected claims that the screening was swayed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Ikenga noted that Wike is not a member of the APC, despite his public support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, and criticized attempts to link him to the process. Ikenga stated that all 98 aspirants were required to adhere to party guidelines, electoral laws, and constitutional provisions.
Ikenga further explained that the appeal panel is reviewing the screening committee’s decisions to ensure fairness. He added that the outcomes of the screening have been made publicly available at the state secretariat for aspirants to verify and decide on their next steps. The appeal process is expected to conclude on Wednesday, May 13, as the party prepares for its primary elections.
Among the disqualified aspirants who appeared before the panel were incumbent lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha.