The All Progressives Congress has barred four loyalists of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from participating in the party’s House of Representatives primaries slated for Saturday, May 16, 2026. The decision was contained in the party’s final list of aspirants released to journalists in Port Harcourt. Among those disqualified are serving members of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead.
Both lawmakers are widely regarded as close allies of Governor Fubara and have consistently backed him since the political face-off between the governor and his former political benefactor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Also excluded from the contest are retired Air Commodore John Opuene and Hon. Anderson Igbiki. Meanwhile, the party cleared 21 aspirants to participate in the primaries, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
Amaewhule is contesting for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat and is seeking to unseat the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda. The APC State Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday. The statement, titled “Final List of Aspirants for the House of Representatives Primary Election for Saturday, 16th May, 2026,” stated that the list was approved by the party’s national leadership.
It urged all aspirants to take note of the final decision and comply with the guidelines ahead of the scheduled primary election. The move is expected to further heighten political tensions within Rivers State as the struggle for influence between rival camps deepens ahead of the contest.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
