Out of the 98 aspirants screened between May 9 and 10, only 33 were cleared to participate, according to the committee’s report dated May 10.

The screening panel, chaired by Muraine Ajibola, said those disqualified failed to meet the requirements set for the exercise. The report was jointly signed by Ajibola, committee secretary Ishake Yamawe, and member Danjuma Samuel.

Among those affected were all aspirants associated with the camps of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governorship candidate Tonye Cole, a development likely to heighten political tensions within the Rivers APC ahead of the primaries.

Prominent figures from Fubara’s camp who were not cleared include Chijoke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Sokari Goodboy.

According to the committee, the screening process was conducted in a transparent, orderly, and inclusive manner to ensure fairness for all participants.

“The Screening Committee constituted by the National Working Committee of the Party respectfully submits its report on the screening exercise conducted for aspirants seeking nomination under the platform of the Party for election into the Rivers State House of Assembly for the 2027 General Elections,” the report stated.

It added that the committee carried out its assignment with diligence, fairness, transparency, and commitment to the democratic principles of the party.

The panel noted that the exercise was largely peaceful, except for an incident involving Victor Oko-Jumbo, who reportedly insisted on entering the venue with security aides, leading to a disagreement with police officers before the situation was brought under control.

The committee also disclosed that an aspirant, Tonye Garrick Tom-George, who sought to contest for the Asari Toru 1 seat, was reported to the police after allegedly attempting to bribe members of the panel with money concealed in an envelope.

While acknowledging that petitions were submitted against some aspirants, the committee said it carefully reviewed all documentation and noted discrepancies where necessary.

Among those cleared were serving Deputy Speaker Maol Dumle, House Leader Major Jack, and House Spokesman Enemi Alabo George, alongside 30 others.

The committee listed several reasons for disqualification, including nominations by party members not financially up to date, attempted bribery, unsworn affidavits, failure to present voter cards or party membership documents, conflicting birth records, inconsistencies in submitted names, inadequate nominators, and invalid affidavit details related to educational certificates.

It concluded that the exercise was conducted in substantial compliance with the APC constitution and guidelines, reflecting the party’s democratic values.