The Rivers APC screening exercise has now intensified the ongoing political tension within the state chapter of the ruling party.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Muraina Ajibola, reportedly cleared only 33 aspirants said to be aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to details released from the screening process, the affected aspirants were disqualified over several alleged irregularities discovered in their submitted documents and nomination processes.
The committee listed inducement and attempted bribery of members as one of the reasons for the disqualification.
Other reasons included the submission of unsworn affidavits, failure to provide voter cards, and inability to present valid party membership slips or cards during verification.
The Rivers APC screening committee also cited inconsistencies in dates of birth and differences in names appearing across official documents submitted by some aspirants.
In addition, some aspirants reportedly failed to confirm payment of membership dues by their nominators, while others presented irregular party membership numbers.
Another major issue raised by the committee was the inability of certain aspirants to provide the minimum required number of nominators from their wards.
The committee further alleged that some affidavits submitted failed to properly disclose material information concerning NECO certificates.
The latest development is expected to deepen the political rivalry between supporters of Governor Fubara and loyalists of Nyesom Wike, whose influence continues to shape the political landscape in Rivers State.
Political observers believe the Rivers APC crisis could have major implications for future elections and party unity in the oil-rich state, especially as internal power struggles continue to dominate discussions within the party.
Despite the controversy, the APC leadership in Rivers State is expected to proceed with its primaries in preparation for upcoming elections, while some of the disqualified aspirants may challenge the decision through internal party mechanisms or the courts.
The Rivers APC disqualification saga has already generated widespread reactions among party members and political stakeholders across Nigeria, with many closely monitoring how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
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