The political atmosphere across parts of the Niger Delta and other states of the federation is gradually becoming tense following growing complaints by several aspirants who allegedly failed to scale through the screening process ahead of the forthcoming primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Investigations revealed that the ongoing screening exercise, which is preparatory to the party primaries for the 2027 general elections, has generated widespread controversy, especially in Rivers and Bayelsa states where internal political rivalries appear to be shaping the outcome of the process.
Some aggrieved aspirants who spoke under anonymity alleged that they were pressured to withdraw from the race in favour of preferred candidates believed to enjoy the backing of influential political figures within the party hierarchy.
One of the affected aspirants disclosed that some contestants were allegedly compelled to sign undertakings indicating voluntary withdrawal from the contest after intense political pressure from party leaders and power brokers.
According to the source, “What is happening is beyond ordinary screening. Some persons were simply told they could not continue in the race. Others were made to sign withdrawal documents against their wishes. The process is creating bitterness among party faithful.”
The development has reportedly heightened political anxiety within several APC state chapters, with supporters of affected aspirants accusing the party leadership of attempting to impose candidates ahead of the primaries.
Rivers APC Crisis Deepens
In Rivers State, the screening exercise is said to have further exposed the lingering political battle between loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Party insiders alleged that several aspirants believed to be sympathetic to Governor Fubara either failed the screening process or were tactically edged out, while aspirants aligned with the FCT Minister reportedly scaled through successfully.
Though the APC leadership has yet to officially comment on the allegations, observers believe the development may not be unconnected with the fierce political supremacy battle that has continued to shape Rivers politics since the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
The political crisis in Rivers State had earlier led to the polarization of the State House of Assembly, legal battles, defections, and repeated interventions by the presidency and party leaders.
Analysts fear that the current screening controversies may deepen existing divisions and trigger fresh political confrontations within the state ahead of the primaries.
Bayelsa APC Also Divided
A similar situation is reportedly unfolding in Bayelsa State where loyalists of former Governor Timipre Sylva are alleged to have been screened out in favour of aspirants believed to be politically aligned with Governor Douye Diri.
Sources within the APC in Bayelsa claimed that the screening process may have been influenced by ongoing political realignments aimed at weakening the structure of the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who remains a dominant political force in the state.
It was gathered that several aspirants linked to Sylva’s political camp expressed disappointment after the screening results emerged, alleging bias and selective treatment by the screening committee.
Some party members have also accused certain national leaders of attempting to use the screening exercise to settle old political scores and determine the outcome of the primaries before delegates vote.
Fear of Internal Crisis
The unfolding developments have continued to generate concern among political stakeholders and observers who fear that the growing discontent may degenerate into internal crisis, litigations, defections, and possible anti-party activities if not urgently addressed.
Political analysts warn that the APC may face serious internal resistance in some states if aggrieved aspirants and their supporters are not properly managed before the primaries.
According to observers, the current situation bears similarities to previous pre-election disputes that weakened party cohesion in several states during past electoral cycles.
“There is growing frustration among party members. If the leadership fails to carry everybody along, the consequences may affect the party’s chances during the general elections,” a political analyst noted.
Concerns are also mounting that the alleged imposition of candidates could discourage grassroots participation and undermine internal democracy within the ruling party.
Calls for Transparency
Meanwhile, stakeholders across the affected states are calling on the national leadership of the APC to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the screening and primary election processes.
Some party elders have reportedly begun quiet consultations aimed at preventing further escalation of tensions and reconciling aggrieved camps before the primaries commence.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, attention now remains focused on whether the ruling party can successfully manage the widening cracks emerging from the controversial screening exercise without triggering a deeper political crisis in strategic states.
Mean whiile, the Rivers State APC House of Assembly Screening Appeal Committee, chaired by Abdul Mahmud, has confirmed that 33 aspirants were cleared while 65 aspirants were disqualified in the report submitted by the screening committee.
The appeal committee chairman also said that 19 appeals have been submitted by some aspirants today and added that the appeal ends tomorrow before the final list of cleared aspirants will be released.
Earlier on Monday, the Rivers State APC House of Assembly Screening Committee, chaired by Hon. Muraina Ajibola, recommended the disqualification of 65 aspirants loyal to Governor Fubara and Tonye Cole, and the clearance of 33 aspirants loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to participate in the party’s primaries.
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